THERE is little relief from bushfires in sight as fire dangers are expected to drop only to high over the next few days before increasing to very high by the end of the week.
The warning from the Bureau of Meteorology comes as more than 70 blazes cause devastation across Queensland.
A BOM spokesperson said that rising temperatures would increase the fire danger to very high on Friday and Saturday.
"Fire dangers finally drop to 'high' for tomorrow and Thursday," the spokesperson said.
In Beaudesert temperatures are expected to reach 24 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, 27 on Thursday, 31 on Friday and 32 on Saturday.
In the Redlands, temperatures are expected to be in the low 20s until reaching 26 on Friday and 28 on Saturday.
The Jimboomba temperatures are expected to be around the mid-20s, then reaching 27 on Thursday, 31 on Friday and 32 on Saturday.
No rain is forecast for the Beaudesert area, Redlands or Logan over the next week.
A gale wind warning is in place for Gold Coast waters and a strong wind warning for Moreton Bay for Tuesday.
In a rainfall outlook published last week, BOM said conditions were expected to be drier than average for the rest of the year for much of Australia.
In the meantime smoke and dust continued to plague southern and central Queensland.
Queensland's chief health officer Dr Sonya Bennett said that people with respiratory issues who lived near a bushfire or dust storm were advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, follow any medical plans - like an asthma management plan - provided by their doctor and avoid vigorous exercise.
"If anyone is experiencing any adverse reactions to the dust or smoke, such as shortness of breath, prolonged coughing or wheezing, seek medical advice," Dr Bennett said.
Dr Bennett said people affected by dust storms or bushfire smoke could take the following precautions:
- Air-conditioned environments can provide protection. If you have an air conditioner at home, turn it on and, if applicable, use them in a recirculate mode.
- Avoid outdoor activity. If you must go outside spend as little time outside as possible.
- Avoid vigorous exercise outside, especially if you have asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a breathing related condition.
- If you are an asthmatic or have a respiratory condition and you develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or chest pain, follow your prescribed treatment plan. Continue to use your usual medication. Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen.
- Dust storms may reduce visibility. Extra caution should be taken when driving.
- If your car is air-conditioned, reduce the amount of dust entering your car by switching the air intake to recirculate.
- Be careful when cleaning away the film of dust in homes afterwards - use water to wipe it away, because sweeping and dusting will just stir it up again.
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