Temperatures to plummet across Queensland as cold front sweeps in

A cold front is sweeping across central Queensland with many parts set to record their coldest day of the year later this week.

The blast of dry cold air will cause the mercury to plunge throughout this week, said the Bureau of Meteorology.

Maximum temperatures will fall by up to three degrees of their seasonal average while minimum temperatures will drop three to five degrees.

Much of the state southwards from Mount Isa will feel the cold blast.

Parts of central and southern Queensland will feel the chilliest on Wednesday and Thursday as minimum temperatures struggle to break 5 degrees. In some areas the mercury may even approach zero.

There could even by the chance of snow flurries in some parts, says BOM forecaster Shane Kennedy.

"There will be the chance of snow flurries, certainly in areas above 1000 metres," he said.

Queensland's far north should still see bright and warm weather for much of the week - with a maximum daytime temperature of 25 degrees and a minimum of 14 degrees.

Brisbane will be cooler - with a maximum of 23 degrees and a chilly 6 degrees as the lowest.

In the Outback, Longreach will enjoy bright and warm conditions during the day, with a top of 24 degrees and minimum of 4 degrees.

Rainfall is expected to be confined to the north of the state.

The winter chill is forecast to last until the weekend before the weather warms up from early next week.

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