Cyclone Jasper: Cyclone could redevelop next week as other parts of Australia sweat through heatwaves

Ex-tropical cyclone Jasper is slowly moving towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, except for one weather guru has warned Australians they are not out of the woods yet, with the system likely to 're-intensify' next week and manifest as another cyclone again.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines delivered the grim news in a Saturday afternoon weather update, warning that the remnants of Jasper could soon return with force.

“The risk of re-intensification is increasing,” he says.

'We have a modest chance that Jasper will turn into a tropical cyclone again in the second half of next week, from Wednesday to Friday.

“If so, there are a number of paths the system can take.

“It could affect parts of the upper Northern Territory, but it could even double and hit Far North Queensland in the second half of next week and into next weekend.”

The Jasper system is likely to reach a tropical low as it moves away from the Cape York region of Far North Queensland and enters the warm waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria from Sunday to Tuesday.

Mr Hines asked residents across Australia's vast expanse to keep an eye on weather forecasts to see how the system evolves in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Australians are in for a weekend weather extremes as widespread heatwaves envelop much of the country, while north Queensland braces for 'life-threatening' flash flooding.

The weather bureau expects temperatures to reach brutal highs of the mid-40s in Western Australia's outback and mining regions this weekend, while Sydney will experience top temperatures of 37 degrees.

“Hot, dry, fire weather is the main story,” Mr. Hines said Saturday morning.

Heatwave warnings are in force for large parts of WA, south-east Queensland, coastal and northern NSW, and parts of the Northern Territory.

“Severe heat waves can be dangerous for many people, especially the elderly, infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,” a BOM statement warned.

“Find a place to stay cool, such as your home, a library, community center or shopping center.”

Mr Hines also warned of 'increased fire danger' as high temperatures and dry, gusty winds persist throughout Saturday.

Metro Sydney, the Central Coast and Northern NSW are at particular risk.

“Extreme fire danger is forecast for the following fire districts: Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes and North Western,” the BOM said.

In Western Australia, extreme fire danger is forecast for the Midwest Coast, Midwest Inland, Lesueur, Yarra Yarra, Swan Inland South and Capes districts.

In the Northern Territory, an increased fire danger is expected for the Barkly North district.

But even as millions of Australians suffer dry gusty winds and heat, it's a different story for residents of North Queensland as Jasper brings the threat of rain and life-threatening flash flooding.

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper is currently located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Kowanyama and is expected to move slowly today,” the agency said.

'At this stage Jasper is expected to enter the Gulf of Carpentaria on Sunday, although there is uncertainty as to exactly when this will happen.'

There is a risk of flash flooding as heavy rain is expected to continue across the Southern Peninsula, Gulf Country and far north Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders this weekend.

“Six-hour precipitation totals between 100 and 140 mm are likely, with 24-hour totals up to 200 mm, especially on the eastern side of the system center,” the agency said.

'Locally intense rainfall that could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also possible during this period, with six-hour rainfall amounts of up to 200mm, especially during thunderstorms.'

Conditions will be milder in southern parts of the country, with temperatures reaching around 20 degrees in Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide.