Millions of Aussies will be hit by an intense heatwave this weekend, with temperatures soaring past 40C across several parts of the country.
Northerly winds have produced a dry, hot air mass that will move from the interior to the eastern and southeastern parts of Australia.
Melbourne is expected to reach nearly 40C on Monday, with temperatures rising to 30C on Sunday.
Adelaide will also endure a blistering weekend, with temperatures soaring past 36C on both Sunday and Monday.
The sweltering heat will impact parts of Victoria’s northwest, western New South Wales, and the northeastern 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 on Friday.
Meanwhile, central areas of South Australia and the Northern Territory are bracing for extreme conditions on Sunday.
Temperatures in Coober Pedy, Mount Barry, and Oodnadatta in central South Australia could hit 50C.
A similar forecast has been predicted for Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
Brace yourselves: A scorching heatwave is set to sweep across Australia this weekend, with temperatures hitting the high 40s in several regions
Melbourne is preparing for its first 40C day of the year, with temperatures expected to soar from Monday
‘This weekend will see temperatures approaching five to 10C above average throughout much of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales,’ Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury told Nine.
‘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 low to mid-40s, inland NSW could even reach the high 40s on Monday,’ Ms Bradbury said.
Due to the heatwave, widespread high fire danger warnings have been issued for parts of the southeast of the country, including WA, South Australia, Victoria and NSW.
‘Along with the heat, windy conditions and a lack of rain are likely to lead to a spike in fire danger for much of the southeast,’ she said.
As sweltering heat grips the southern and western states, the north faces intense thunderstorms and heavy rain drenching areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Brisbane is in for a humid weekend with showers, and temperatures are expected to exceed 28C. The drizzle should clear up by next Thursday.
Perth experienced extreme heat earlier this week, reaching 40C on Wednesday. However, temperatures are expected to cool over the weekend, dropping to a milder 26C on Saturday and 23C on Sunday.
Sydney heats 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: Shower or two possible storm. 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 Max 27.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 21. Max 29.
Monday: Cloud clearing. Min 22. Max 30.
Temperatures are set to soar in Melbourne on Monday
Melbourne
Saturday: Mostly sunny. Min 13. Max 26.
Sunday: Sunny. Min 16. Max 32.
Monday: Wind. Late cool change. Min. 22 Max 39.
Adelaide faces a blistering weekend, with highs exceeding 36C on Sunday and Monday
Canberra
Saturday: Partly cloudy.. Min 13. Max 33.
Sunday: Sunny. Min 15. Max 36.
Monday: Sunny. Min. 15 Max 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 are also set to be effected by scorching temperatures on Sunday with the mercury to hit 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 Max 34.
Sunday: Possible shower. Min 27. Max 34.
Monday: Possible shower. Min 27. Max 35.
