Queensland towns are bracing for a scorcher with a heatwave expected to push temperatures well above 40C across inland parts of the state, while New South Wales is already enduring tough conditions early on Friday morning.

But forecasters have some good news for those in Queensland’s southeast and NSW’s north, with a sea breeze expected to keep things a little cooler along the coast.

Temperatures in Sydney on Friday morning had already hit 27C, with an expected top of 33C.

Brisbane is expected to get to 32C on Friday, but the mercury will climb to 34C on Saturday and Sunday, and 35C on Monday.

At Ipswich, west of Brisbane, residents can expect 37C on Friday, 38C over the weekend, and a very uncomfortable 39C on Monday.

The Gold Coast is expecting a relatively cool 29C on Friday, and the Sunshine Coast 31C.

Inland parts of Queensland will see the worst of the heatwave, which is expected to last until at least Monday, leaving fire authorities on high alert.

Birdsville is expected to hit a scorching 46C, with temperatures to remain well above 40C until Monday. Similar temperatures are expected for many outback towns.

People already hospitalised in Queensland

Queensland Health has enacted a safety plan amid the heat, something usually reserved for cyclones and flooding. Hospitals have been put on alert for a possible influx of heat-related admissions.

The heat has already put a handful of people in hospital, including an 85-year-old Toowoomba woman and a 10-year-old boy from Rockhampton.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services director Gary McCormack said the heat meant a heightened fire danger for the state.

“We want people to be responsible,” he told Nine network.

The heat is also affecting NSW, with well above average temperatures expected into next week.

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers says there are currently more than 50 fires burning across the state

“Eight of those are not contained,” he told the Nine network.

With temperatures in the high 30C for western Sydney and elsewhere, along with strong northerly winds, fire authorities are on alert.

“That’s a recipe for concern for us. We need people to report fires immediately.