Brisbane has recorded its hottest day of the year so far as ex-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle heads toward New Zealand. 

Long-range forecaster Ken Kato told Laurel & Mark temperatures in the south-east are expected to stay above the average for February, around the early 30s.

“We should see temperatures come back down a bit closer to average,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear Ken Kato’s forecast in full

A dangerous surf warning is in place from the Fraser Coast to the Gold Coast.

Authorities are concerned about unstable conditions for swimmers, surfers and boaties, as well as large waves.

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