Lightning fire risk high on NSW-Queensland border as thunderstorms develop in heatwave

Some residents in the Western Downs region in Queensland have been told to prepare to leave amid a fast-moving fire

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There is a high chance of lightning strike fires around the New South Wales-Queensland border as thunderstorms develop in heatwave conditions, meteorologists have warned.

Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore from the Bureau of Meterology said Thursday would mark another hot and windy day for southern Queensland and northern NSW, where crews are attending a number of fires - including the blaze at Dirranbandi, which has been downgraded to advice level and residents told to return with caution.