A heatwave sweeping southern Queensland has sent temperature records tumbling, with the hottest conditions yet to come.
Many seeking relief on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast on Saturday were dealt a blow, with several beaches closed.
Dozens of swimmers were rescued in the rough conditions, including a young boy with a suspected spinal injury at Burleigh.
The unstable surf may again force the closure of beaches on Sunday as the worst of the heatwave hits.
"Much of southern Queensland will see temperatures in the low to mid 40s with Brisbane forecast to hit 39C and Ipswich potentially reaching 43C," Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Sam Campbell said.
Birdsville is set to be the hottest place in the state and could break temperature records with a top of 47C forecast.
The state record for hottest February day stands at 46.5C, while Birdsville's hottest February maximum is 46.2C.
A number of heat records tumbled on Saturday, with Warwick, Applethorpe and Oakey all having their hottest ever days.
Toowoomba also equalled its record for hottest day as the mercury climbed to 39.5C.
Paramedics have urged people to keep hydrated to avoid becoming ill as temperatures push more than 10C past the February average.
They've suggested swapping caffeinated drinks for water, eating small and regular meals and wearing light-coloured cotton clothing.
Mr Campbell said relief from the heat isn't expected until Tuesday following the arrival of a southeasterly change.
Temperatures in the southwest should dip back below 40C following the arrival of a trough on Monday.
