- Temperatures are expected to 40s in many areas
- Bushfires continue to rage out of control in Tasmania
- Aussies warned to take precautions and stay inside
- Check local weather warnings through the BoM website
Australians have been warned to stay vigilant this weekend as temperatures soar into the 40s across multiple states and a bushfire closes 100km of a major highway.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a series of extreme and severe heatwave warnings for large parts of New South Wales this week.
Severe warnings were issued for the Sydney metropolitan, Hunter, Illawarra, southern tablelands and Snowy Mountains areas.
With temperatures set to peak on Saturday, an extreme heatwave warning is in place for NSW's south coast.
Parts of western Sydney and the Hunter are also expected to reach the low 40s.
The M1 Pacific Highway from Twelve Mile Creek to Nabiac was closed in both directions after a bushfire erupted at Bulahdelah, on NSW's Mid North Coast.
A watch and act alert has been issued for those in and around Nerong, as the fire is pushed towards the vicinity by north-westerly winds.
The rural fire service is working to contain the blaze on both sides of the highway, with those near Myall Creek Rd, Myall River Rd and Nerong to monitor conditions.
The Pacific Highway from Twelve Mile Creek to Nabiac is shut in both directions due to a bushfire at Bulahdelah (pictured)
The BoM issued extreme and severe heatwave warnings for large parts of NSW, WA and the NT
In Western Australia, severe heatwave warnings are in place for the Kimberley, Pilbara and north interior regions as temperatures reach the high 30s to mid 40s.
Severe warnings have also been issued for the Daly, Tiwi and Gregory regions of the Northern Territory, with the heatwave expected to last well into next week.
Temperatures in Alice Springs are forecast to reach the low 40s on Saturday.
In Queensland, heatwave warnings may be issued for parts of the Sunshine State, including the Gulf Country and North West regions in the next few days.
Senior meteorologist Christie Johnson said pregnant women, infants, and those with medical conditions are most at risk.
'Extreme means that it's dangerous for everyone, even for healthy people, if you don't take precautions,' Ms Johnson said.
'We tend to find in terms of the health impacts the effect is cumulative, so it's usually the third day is the most dangerous.'
Ms Johnson said people at home should keep blinds down and windows shut early to block heat, and use fans or air conditioning.
'Seeking a place where you can stay cool – whether that's staying inside at home and using fans and air conditioners or heading to a shopping centre or community centre or library to stay cool,' she added.
Experts warn that any fires that start within these orange areas will be very difficult to control
The full extent of the damage remains unclear from the Dolphin Sands bushfire (pictured)
In Tasmania, where multiple out-of-control bushfires continue to burn, it's hoped that favourable weather conditions could assist fire crews in containing the flames.
Crews continue to battle a bushfire in the rural town of Dolphin Sands on the east coast, with the fire service confirming that properties and structures have been lost.
The full extent of the damage remains unclear.
A watch and act warning remains in place at Glenlusk, north-west of Hobart.
Regional fire commander Simon Pilkington said warnings for other fires have been downgraded due to an improvement in weather conditions overnight on Thursday.
He described the conditions as challenging and unpredictable.
'We are aware of property losses in Dolphin Sands, and will be completing rapid impact assessments this morning to confirm the extent of this, when safe to do so,' Mr Pilkington said.
Crews will continue to fight the blaze on the ground, but will also have the assistance of aerial resources, which were grounded for a period on Thursday afternoon due to high winds, with gusts reaching up to 85km/h in Hobart.
An evacuation centre remains open at the Swansea Town Hall for residents affected by the Dolphin Sands fire.
Crews remain on the scene as they fight to get the blaze under control
Sydney
Friday: Mostly sunny. Max 34C. Min 19C.
Saturday: Possible shower. Max 36C. Min 23C.
Sunday: Shower or two. Max 26C. Min 19C
Melbourne
Friday: Mostly cloudy. Max 24C. Min 14C.
Saturday: Showers. Max 22C. Min 15C.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Max 24C. Min 14C
Brisbane
Friday: Mostly sunny. Max 29C. Min 18C.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. Max 30C. Min 20C.
Sunday: Sunny. Max 27C. Min 20C
Perth
Friday: Mostly sunny. Max 24C. Min 13C.
Saturday: Sunny. Max 27C. Min 14C.
Sunday: Sunny. Max 27C. Min 17C.
Senior meteorologist Christie Johnson said pregnant women, infants, and those with medical conditions are most at risk as a heatwave impacts much of Australia
Hobart
Friday: Mostly sunny. Max 22C. Min 10C.
Saturday: Late shower. Max 22C. Min 10C.
Sunday: Partly sunny. Max 15C. Min 8C
Adelaide
Friday: Mostly sunny. Max 28C. Min 14C.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy. Max 22C. Min 16C.
Sunday: Partly sunny. Max 19C. Min 12C.
Canberra
Friday: Mostly sunny. Max 35C. Min 12C.
Saturday: Windy. Max 34C. Min 16C.
Sunday: Sunny. Max 23C. Min 10C
Darwin
Friday: Possible thunderstorm. Max 33C. Min 25C.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. Max 33C. Min 26C.
Sunday: Cloudy. Max 32C. Min 27C
