UPDATE: QUEENSLAND is facing another day of dry conditions, leaving the bushfire risk in the severe to near-extreme range.
More than 50 bushfires burned across the state yesterday as temperatures soared to 40C.
Temperatures are forecast to ease a little today, but the weather bureau says it will still be warmer than the December average.
The bureau says combined with the dry air and gusty southwest winds, it will mean enhanced fire dangers through the southern, western and central parts of the state.
New records for December were set in the southeast yesterday where Tewantin on the Sunshine Coast hit 39.7C - its hottest December temperature on record.
Brisbane reached 38C - the city's hottest December day since 2001 - while the Gold Coast got to 35.1C at Coolangatta, the hottest December reading since 2004.
In the state's north Charters Towers got to 40.5C which is its hottest December day since 2002 and Rockhampton reached 39.1C, its hottest December day since 2008.
