Wet Christmas expected in Queensland

In bad news for backyard cricketers across Queensland, showers are predicted for most of the state on Christmas Day.

Only the state's far west is expected to be gifted sunshine on the holiday.

The Bureau of Meteorology says Brisbane can expect showers all week, including on Christmas Day when a relatively cool maximum of 28C is forecast.

Ipswich and the Gold Coast are also tipped to remain wet for most of the week, reaching highs of 29C and 27C respectively on Sunday.

Birdsville is one of the few towns expecting sunshine on Christmas Day, tipped to swelter through 41C heat.

Christmas Day forecast for Queensland:

* Brisbane - Possible showers, max 28C

* Ipswich - Possible showers, max 29C

* Gold Coast - Possible showers, max 27C

* Toowoomba - Possible showers, max 27C

* Mackay - Shower or two, max 30C

* Townsville - Shower or two, max 32C

* Cairns - Shower or two, max 32C