With a heatwave rolling over much of the top half of Australia, experts are calling for the public not to become complacent.
Large parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia remain under heatwave warnings today as hot conditions linger.
In south-east Queensland, low-intensity to severe heatwave conditions will peak today before easing over the weekend.
In Brisbane, the forecast high on Friday is 33 degrees Celsius, while in Ipswich it is expected to reach 38C, with humid conditions making it feel even hotter.
Queensland Health issued an emergency warning for heatwaves for the broader Brisbane metropolitan area and around areas of Charleville, Dalby, Goondiwindi, Longreach, Roma, Stanthorpe, Toowoomba and Winton, where highs will range between 30 and 40 degrees.
The most northern parts of Queensland will peak at 40C today.
Elsewhere, Darwin will max out at 35C and in Western Australia, temperatures across the Pilbara are reaching into the 40s.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also warned of extreme heatwave conditions for isolated parts of the far north of WA, the Top End in the NT and areas of Central Queensland.
The heatwave is due to a weather phenomenon known as a "heat dome" caused by a stagnant high pressure system.
The heat could bring storms to south-east Queensland this afternoon. (Supplied: Neil Kendall)
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Felim Hannify said the temperatures are at levels usually seen in the middle of summer.
"It's very warm for November with temperatures three to six degrees above average and even up to ten above average for some inland areas," he said.
Some relief is expected for south-east Queensland with possible storms expected to usher in a cool change going into the weekend.
Mr Hannify said the storms could bring large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
The dangers of extreme heat
Severe and extreme heatwaves have claimed more lives than any other natural hazard in Australia.
It's been a warm few days in Queensland. (Supplied: John Godfrey)
Extreme heatwaves are rare and pose a risk even to healthy people.
Anyone who works or exercises outdoors can be at risk.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) director of clinical policy Lachlan Parker has warned residents to take the dangers of extreme heat seriously.
"It's when we become complacent that we can really run into trouble."
Lachlan Parker says people need to stay hydrated in the heat. (ABC News: George Roberts)
Mr Parker said they were particularly worried about people with co-morbidities, such as heart disease or any respiratory illnesses, the elderly, young children, and pregnant and breast-feeding mothers.
He also asked the public not to forget about pets and advised to keep them inside and out of the heat.
To keep cool people can wear loose-fitting clothing, stay indoors and keep near air conditioning and fans.
"This is not a time to be building retaining walls and mowing the lawn," Mr Parker said.
He said the QAS has seen an uptick in calls since the hot weather began.
"That's because a lot of people find it really difficult, you need a couple of days to get over these heat conditions."
Lachlan Parker says people shouldn't forget to keep their pets cool too. (ABC Goldfields: Giulia Bertoglio)
What symptoms should you be on the lookout for?
Early signs of a heat-related illness include headaches and darker urine which points to dehydration.
"These symptoms slowly progress to the more severe things that we really worry about, so if anyone starts getting an altered conscious state, difficulty in waking up, slurred speech and even in some cases seizures — that's really, really serious," Mr Parker said.
"That is a life-threatening situation."
He said anyone experiencing mild symptoms should call 13 HEALTH.
"Sometimes they'll just be able to talk you through the situation and give you some warning signs to watch out for, but anyone with significant concerns about themselves or loved ones can dial triple-0," he said.