
Queenslanders are sweltering through a hot weekend, topped off by a blazing fire that saw hundreds of people evacuated from Gold Coast's Sea World themepark due to an out of control bushfire nearby.

Locals flocked to the water park with hopes of escaping temperatures in excess of 40 degrees, but a roaring vegetation fire on the Southport Spit - less than two kilometres away - forced park owners to evacuate the grounds, upon instruction by Queensland Police.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at 11am, and six Queensland Fire and Emergency Services ground crews along with water bombing operations worked to reduce the fire, the ABC reported.

The park has since been allowed to re-open, but emergency services have recommended visitors stay away from the are.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 35C for Brisbane on Saturday, while Ipswich is tipped to hit 39C, Windorah 43C and Goondiwindi 42C - up to 10C above average.

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Gold Coast's Sea World was evacuated, as emergency battled with a raging fire less than two kilometres away from the themepark

Hundreds of Queenslanders that flocked to the themepark to escape 40-plus degree heat were evacuated

Emergency services were called to the blaze at 11am, and six Queensland Fire and Emergency Services ground crews along with water bombing operations worked to reduce the fire

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 35C for Brisbane on Saturday, while Ipswich is tipped to hit 39C, Windorah 43C and Goondiwindi 42C

School leavers partying on the Gold Coast are set to enjoy a heated weekend, with temperatures forecast in the 30's

A roaring vegetation fire on the Southport Spit - less than two kilometres away - forced park owners to evacuate for the guests safety

The soaring heatwave which hit NSW on Friday and Queensland on Saturday is expected to ease off by Sunday

The searing heatwave expected to hit Queensland passed through Sydney on Friday, with the region experiencing their hottest November day in 33 years (pictured is Manly)

WEEKEND FORECAST BRISBANE Saturday: Max 35, Hot and sunny Sunday: Min 22 Max 28, Cloudy, possible rain GOLD COAST Saturday: Max 31, Hot and sunny Sunday: Min 20 Max 27, Cloudy and rain SUNSHINE COAST Saturday: Max 32, Hot and sunny Sunday: Min 20 Max 28, Cloudy and rain NOOSA Saturday: Max 31, Hot and sunny Sunday : Min 20 Max 28, cCloudy and rain Advertisement

School leavers partying on the Gold Coast may also enjoy a top of 31C as the event kicks off on Saturday, with temperatures expected to climb later in the week.

It's thought similar heatwaves will be commonplace in the next four to six weeks.

A fire weather warning was put out for north-west Queensland on Saturday, with the BOM advising that severe fire dangers were 'expected over central and northern parts of the North West forecast district.'

The searing heatwave expected to hit Queensland passed through Sydney on Friday, with the region experiencing their hottest November day in 33 years.

Temperatures reached 40.9C just before 4pm on Friday, as hundreds of Sydneysiders flocked to public swimming pools and the beach to cool off.

Forecaster Julian De Morton told AAP that the extreme weather could be attributed to the El Nino phenomenon.

'We certainly expect more heatwaves and more dry weather in an El Nino year,' he said.

But a southwesterly wind change should move through the district on Saturday evening and overnight, bringing relief, he said.

He said it wasn't unheard of to get hot streaks in November but typically such temperatures occurred in summer months.

Queensland Health advised that some parts of the state were experiencing temperatures above average, and directed users to an information sheet on how to best deal with heat waves.

Some of the tips included 'stay properly hydrated and drink two to three litres of water, stay indoors in cool or air-conditioned facilities, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.'

Brisbane will be considerably cooler on Sunday with a top of 28C.

Queensland Health advised that some parts of the state were experiencing temperatures above average

Sea World has been reopened - after a blazing vegetation fire less than two kilometres away put the safety of guests in danger

Picturesque scenes by the beach as desperate Queenslanders raced to the nearest body of water to escape sizzling temperatures

Temperatures on the Gold Coast are expected to climb later in the week, as students celebrate the completion of their Year 12 exams

Suggestions by Queensland Health to deal with the heatwave were: stay hydrated, stay in an air-conditioned room, and avoid strenuous activity