The danger zones set for a battering as terrifying Cyclone Jasper cranks up to a devastating Category Four – while the rest of the country braces for a blistering 44C-plus heatwave

Monster Cyclone Jasper is on track to hit parts of Queensland and has intensified into a Category 4 storm.

The tropical cyclone is moving south through the northeastern Coral Sea, about 350 kilometers northeast of Cairns.

Weather officials say the cyclone could weaken this weekend as it turns west towards the Queensland coast, before regaining its ferocity when it hits land.

The Bureau of Meteorology said it is not yet known when the cyclone will make landfall, but several towns along Queensland's north coast will be affected.

Monster Cyclone Jasper is on track to hit parts of Queensland and has intensified into a Category 4 storm

“While the timing of a coastal impact remains highly uncertain, the greatest risk of a cyclone impact is between Cooktown and Mackay, including Cairns and Townsville,” they said.

'As Jasper approaches the coast there is a risk of re-intensification and the potential for serious consequences.'

Popular Australian weather tracker John's Weather Channel said in a post on Facebook that the cyclone was likely to make landfall in Cairns but could hit as a category three.

“In terms of strength, some models are showing the upper end of Cat (Category) 2, while some are re-intensifying close to the coast and landing as Cat (Category) 3,” the forecasters said.

The 'unusual' cyclone was moving south-southwestwards in the Coral Sea, with gusts expected to reach 195 kilometers per hour on Thursday evening.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning on Thursday afternoon saying the severe tropical cyclone could become a category five by late Friday.

Jasper is not only the first tropical cyclone of the season, but it is also believed to be the first to emerge off the coast of Australia during an El Nino in December.

“It is rare to see a cyclone in December, let alone one involving El Nino,” an agency spokesperson said.

Sydney is set to be sweltering on Saturday as residents brace for 40 degree heat this weekend as people try to keep cool

Western Sydney residents are preparing for scorching conditions as the mercury reaches 44 degrees on Saturday

Heatwave warnings are in force in most parts of the country as Australia prepares for a wild weekend of weather

Meanwhile, parts of Australia will swelter in temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius.

A heatwave warning has been issued for most states and territories across the country, with parts of Western Sydney likely to reach 44 degrees Celsius or more on Saturday.

With temperatures continuing to rise in most parts of the country throughout the weekend, people are being urged not to be outside during the hottest parts of the day.

People have also been urged to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.