THE Roma pool is a popular place to be right now, as the mercury rises to above 40 degrees Celsius.
Today the temperature hit 43°C in Roma and tomorrow it's set to hit 41°C.
Mitchell will be even hotter, with a top of 42°C, while Surat and Yuleba are also set to reach 41°C.
There's not going to be much relief in the next few days, with top temperatures across the Maranoa set to stay over 40°C until Monday.
The heat is being felt across the country and yesterday was Australia's hottest combined maximum on record with an average national temperature of 40.33°C.
Meteorologist Melissa MacKellar said today was the hottest day recorded in Roma since November 2006, with a high of 43°C.
"Over the past few weeks, temperatures have been building inland across the country," Ms MacKellar said. "The heat is due to a lack of cloud cover causing rising sea temperatures and a low pressure trough which is crossing over from South Australia."
Ms MacKellar said the heat wave was the same one that hit Perth last month, causing the city's hottest December day ever recorded.
"There's also low humidity which increases the fire danger in the area," Ms MacKellar said.
Queensland Fire and Rescue officer Phil Young said the fire warning was between "very high" to "extreme".
He warned people were not to light fires, unless they had a permit.
"Also make sure to check the four-day forecast as conditions on the permit are for the life of the fire, not the permit," Mr Young said.
"You must make sure the life of the fire does not exceed the permit."
Ms MacKellar said people should stay hydrated and avoid going out in the sun where possible.
 

Heatwave tips

• Stay inside in the air-con during the hottest part of the day, or visit a local café, shopping centre, or movie theatre.
• While you're out, keep the curtains shut to stop your home heating up.
• Icy polls are always a cooling treat for kids.
• Put a wet Chux in the freezer for a few hours, it makes a great neck cooler.
• If you like to exercise, go out later in the evening or early in the morning.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these promote dehydration.
• Go for a swim in your local pool.
• Make sure to check on elderly friends or neighbours.