Temperatures have already soared into the high-30s in regions of Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia today, with further increases anticipated throughout the day.
In addition to the heat, heavy rainfall is forecast to hit southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales over the weekend, prompting minor flood alerts for areas such as the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley and various rivers in Queensland, including the Bremer, Mary, and Burrum Rivers.
Weatherzone has reported that temperatures might climb to 46 to 47°C in certain parts of far western Queensland in the first half of the upcoming week, while projections also indicate a peak of 45 to 46°C in northern South Australia and the southern Northern Territory.
Tasmania can expect maximum temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s and overnight minimum temperatures in the low to mid teens over the weekend, with severe heatwave conditions over the North West Coast and Furneaux Islands easing early next week.
Strong gale wind warnings have also been issued for parts of coastal Victoria and Western Australia this morning, including the East Gippsland and Ningaloo Coasts.