HEATWAVE conditions in Queensland this week are so uncomfortable, our dairy cows are becoming affected.

Premium milk company Maleny Dairies has seen a drop in their milk's protein quality due to the hot weather - which affects the ability to froth the milk.

Owner Ross Hopper said it has meant a small delay in supplies for their cafe-based customers.

"It's a normal thing with the hot weather that it just affects the quantity and amount of protein in the milk," he said.

"We just try and shoo the cows off under the trees to stay cool."

He said the cooler overnight temperatures however were beginning to improve the quality of their milk.

"The cool nights we've been having has definitely showed an improvement to the protein quality," he said.

"There's actually a fair bit of science to it all and you try and do the best with what you've got."

Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to be hot across western and southern Queensland as heatwave conditions move north from the southern states.

Brisbane reached a top of 31.7C on Monday while Birdsville reached 44.3C.

Similar temperatures are expected again on Tuesday, with Brisbane forecast to reach a top of 33C.

Rain is expected to cool things down later in the week though, with showers expected along the east coast from Wednesday.

Weatherzone meteorologist Graeme Brittain said rain was likely to affect Australia Day plans for much of the east coast.

"From about Wednesday and Thursday, it looks to be an increasing chance of showers and rain north of Mackay," he said.

"That's associated with a trough which is going to encroach over the state.

"Best chance of a burst of rain for Brisbane is on Saturday. Australia Day is also forecast for showers in Brisbane as well."

HEATWAVE conditions in Queensland this week are so uncomfortable, our dairy cows are becoming affected.

Premium milk company Maleny Dairies has seen a drop in their milk's protein quality due to the hot weather - which affects the ability to froth the milk.

Owner Ross Hopper said it has meant a small delay in supplies for their cafe-based customers.

"It's a normal thing with the hot weather that it just affects the quantity and amount of protein in the milk," he said.

"We just try and shoo the cows off under the trees to stay cool."

He said the cooler overnight temperatures however were beginning to improve the quality of their milk.

"The cool nights we've been having has definitely showed an improvement to the protein quality," he said.

"There's actually a fair bit of science to it all and you try and do the best with what you've got."

Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to be hot across western and southern Queensland as heatwave conditions move north from the southern states.

Brisbane reached a top of 31.7C on Monday while Birdsville reached 44.3C.

Similar temperatures are expected again on Tuesday, with Brisbane forecast to reach a top of 33C.

Rain is expected to cool things down later in the week though, with showers expected along the east coast from Wednesday.

Weatherzone meteorologist Graeme Brittain said rain was likely to affect Australia Day plans for much of the east coast.

"From about Wednesday and Thursday, it looks to be an increasing chance of showers and rain north of Mackay," he said.

"That's associated with a trough which is going to encroach over the state.

"Best chance of a burst of rain for Brisbane is on Saturday. Australia Day is also forecast for showers in Brisbane as well."