Millions of Australians will be hit by an intense heatwave this weekend, with temperatures topping 40C in several parts of the country.
The northerly winds have produced a mass of dry, hot air that will move from the interior to the east and southeast of the country.
Melbourne is expected to reach almost 40C on Monday and temperatures will rise to 30C on Sunday. This will be the first day of the year with 40°C in the city.
Adelaide will also endure a scorching weekend, with temperatures topping 27C on Friday and topping 36C on both Sunday and Monday.
The sweltering heat will affect parts of north-west Victoria, western New South Wales and the northeast and eastern regions of South Australia.
Temperatures in Sydney are already rising with the city forecast to face five consecutive sunny days with temperatures above 28C starting this Friday.
Meanwhile, central areas of South Australia and the Northern Territory are bracing for extreme conditions on Sunday, with temperatures expected to reach a scorching 50C.
“This weekend we will see temperatures approaching five to 10C above average across much of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales,” Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist told Nine. Miriam Bradbury.
Get ready: a scorching heatwave will sweep through Australia this weekend, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees in several regions.
Melbourne is bracing for its first 40C day of the year, with temperatures expected to rise from Monday.
‘Monday will be the hottest day, with temperatures up to 16 degrees above average.
“Other parts of Victoria and New South Wales could be in the mid-40s, and inland New South Wales could even reach 40 degrees on Monday,” Bradbury said.
Due to the heatwave, widespread high fire danger warnings have been issued in parts of the south-east of the country, including WA, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
“Along with the heat, windy conditions and lack of rain are likely to cause an increase in fire danger across much of the Southeast.”
As sweltering heat grips southern and western states, the north faces intense thunderstorms and heavy rain flooding areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Brisbane will have a wet weekend with rain with temperatures expected to top 28C. The drizzle should clear next Thursday.
Perth experienced extreme heat earlier this week, reaching 40C on Wednesday. However, temperatures are expected to drop over the weekend, dropping to 26C on Saturday and 23C on Sunday.
Sydney warms up with five consecutive sunny days above 28C starting Friday, perfect beach weather for residents
High fire danger warnings issued for southeastern states as hot, dry and windy conditions intensify
brisbane
Saturday: Rain or two possible storms. Min 23. Max 29.
Sunday: Shower or two. Min 23. Max 31.
Monday: Shower or two. Min 23. Max 30.
Sydney
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Min. 21 Maximum 27.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 21. Max 29.
Monday: Cloud clearing. Min 22. Max 30.
Temperatures to rise in Melbourne on Monday
Melbourne
Saturday: Mostly sunny. Min 13. Max 26.
Sunday: Sunny. Min 16. Max 32.
Monday: Wind. Late and great change. Min. 22 Maximum 39.
Adelaide faces scorching weekend, with highs topping 36C on Sunday and Monday
Canberra
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Min 13. Max 33.
Sunday: Sunny. Min 15. Max 36.
Monday: Sunny. Min. 15 maximum 39.
hobart
Saturday: Cloudy. Min 11. Max 22.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 13. Max 23.
Monday: Shower or two. Min 14. Max 29.
Adelaide
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Min 15. Max 33.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Min 22. Max 40.
Monday: Possible shower. Min 24. Max 33.
Central parts of South Australia and the Northern Territory will also be hit by scorching temperatures on Sunday, with the mercury hitting 50C.
Perth
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Min 18. Max 27.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 17. Max 24.
Monday: Partly cloudy. Min 15. Max 25.
Darwin
Saturday: Shower or two. Possible storm. Min. 26 Maximum 34.
Sunday: Possible shower. Min 27. Max 34.
Monday: Possible shower. Min 27. Max 35.