Queensland is set to experience a significant drop in temperatures on Tuesday, providing relief after a weekend of extreme heat. Felim Hanniffy, a senior meteorologist with the Bureau of Meteorology, announced that widespread rainfall is anticipated across the eastern, central, and southern regions of the state. Rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 millimeters are expected, with localized heavy falls of 50 to 100 millimeters possible in areas like Wide Bay Burnett and southern Capricornia.

The arrival of cloud cover will lead to a dramatic decrease in temperatures. Some areas in central and southeast Queensland could see temperatures drop by as much as 19 degrees compared to the highs recorded on Monday. For instance, Brisbane Airport, which reached 39.1 degrees Celsius on Monday, is forecast to only hit 22 degrees on Tuesday.

The Gold Coast also experienced record-breaking heat, with the Seaway recording 38 degrees, the highest since the station opened 33 years ago. Coolangatta reached 38.3 degrees, surpassing its previous record from 2004 by nearly three degrees. Ipswich recorded a high of 40 degrees on Monday. In contrast, Toowoomba is expected to reach a high of only 17 degrees, while Southport will see a maximum of 23 degrees.

Hanniffy described the temperature shift as "pretty exceptional," noting the extreme highs recorded on Monday. He stated, "We saw some exceptionally high October maximums in the south-east on Monday, and [Tuesday temperatures] certainly will be a significant contrast to what we experienced on Monday with much cooler conditions in the south-east, extensive cloud cover, persistent rain at times and a blustery onshore south-easterly wind."

Thunderstorms are also forecast to develop across the eastern interior, with scattered showers expected in parts of North Queensland, particularly south of Cooktown. Severe storms may occur in Capricornia, Wide Bay Burnett, and further inland areas.

Despite the cooling trend, a severe heatwave warning remains in effect for the Peninsula, North Tropical Coast, Tablelands, and Central Coast and Whitsundays. A high fire danger warning is in place for the North and Central West regions, while a moderate fire danger warning applies to the rest of the state, excluding southeast coastal areas.

Hanniffy expressed hope that the cooler weather would reduce fire risks in the coming days. He said, "With this extensive cloud cover and persistent showers around much of the east, and some rain as well, that should help alleviate the fire danger. We should see the fire dangers back to moderate for most of the state due to all that moisture and shower activity … though they may start to increase again across parts of far-western Queensland through the second half of this week."

Additionally, a strong wind warning is in effect for the K'gari coast, Sunshine Coast waters, Moreton Bay, and Gold Coast waters on Tuesday.