Bushfires west of Brisbane have shrouded much of the city in smoke after a day of record-breaking heat less than 24 hours after Sunday’s wild storms.
It was the hottest October day in 21 years, peaking at 38.7 degrees in the early afternoon.
By the evening more than 50 fires were burning around the state, with the Brisbane CBD and many surrounding suburbs clouded by smoke.
Hazy Brisbane on the hottest October day in 20 years.Credit: Rosanna Ryan
Smoke from blazes in the Lockyer Valley and areas around Ipswich were blowing towards the coast.
The Queensland Fire Department issued 31 warnings across the state, though none were more serious than urging people to stay informed.
The oppressive heat came less than 24 hours after the city was lashed by an intense storm.
The hazy, orange Brisbane sunset on Monday.Credit: Rosanna Ryan
Further north in Callide, a lightning strike took down part of a major power station.
As of 5.15pm on Monday – when it was still about 32 degrees – 19,042 homes and businesses in the Brisbane City Council area were without power due to storm damage.
