Sydney, Melbourne weather: Urgent heatwave warning issued
Millions of Aussies will be hit by an intense heatwave this weekend, with temperatures set to rise above 40 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country.
Northerly winds have produced a dry, hot air mass that will move from inland to the eastern and southeastern parts of Australia.
Melbourne is expected to reach almost 40 degrees Celsius on Monday, while temperatures will reach 30 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
Adelaide will also experience a sweltering weekend, with temperatures soaring above 36 degrees Celsius on both Sunday and Monday.
The sweltering heat will affect parts of north-west Victoria, western New South Wales and the north-east and eastern regions of South Australia.
Temperatures are already rising in Sydney and the city will see five consecutive sunny days with temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius from Friday.
Meanwhile, central areas of South Australia and the Northern Territory are preparing for extreme conditions on Sunday, with temperatures expected to soar to a sweltering 50 degrees Celsius.
“This weekend temperatures will be almost 5 to 10 degrees above average across much of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales,” Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury told Nine.
Brace yourself: a scorching heatwave will sweep across Australia this weekend, with temperatures reaching the high 40s in several regions
Melbourne is preparing for its first 40 degree Celsius day of the year, with temperatures expected to rise from Monday
‘Monday will be the warmest 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, while inland NSW could even reach the high 40s on Monday,” Ms Bradbury said.
As a result of the heatwave, widespread high fire danger warnings have been issued for parts of the south-east 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 across much of the Southeast,” she said.
While sweltering heat grips the southern and western states, the north is seeing intense thunderstorms and heavy rain in areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Brisbane is in for a humid weekend with showers and temperatures expected to exceed 28 degrees Celsius. The drizzle should disappear next Thursday.
Perth experienced extreme heat earlier this week, reaching 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. However, temperatures are expected to cool this weekend, dropping to a milder 26C on Saturday and 23C on Sunday.
Sydney will heat up from Friday with five consecutive sunny days above 28 degrees Celsius, perfect beach weather for residents
High fire danger warnings issued for southeastern states as hot, dry and windy conditions increase
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 Maximum 27.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min. 21. Max. 29.
Monday: Cloudy. Min. 22. Max. 30.
Temperatures will rise 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 Maximum 39.
Adelaide is in for a sweltering weekend, with highs above 36 degrees Celsius 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 reaching 50 degrees Celsius
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 thunderstorms. Min. 26 Maximum 34.
Sunday: Possible shower. Min. 27. Max. 34.
Monday: Possible shower. Min. 27. Max. 35.