This morning, inland regions of Western Australia experienced temperatures plunging into the low 40s by 11 a.m. As the heatwave makes its journey eastward, similar scorching conditions are expected to stretch across the nation, reaching as far as southwest Queensland.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a peak in extreme heat is anticipated over a three-day period from Wednesday to Friday. This intense heatwave is predicted to impact a vast portion of New South Wales and northern Victoria, spanning extensively from Melbourne to Sydney and reaching deep inland.

“We’re likely to encounter extreme heatwave conditions across a significant part of NSW and northern Victoria, essentially covering the area between Melbourne and Sydney,” stated meteorologist Dean Narramore.

Tim Woebbeking from Weatherzone highlighted that Wednesday is set to be the warmest day for several cities, notably Adelaide and Melbourne. “While Wednesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week for both Adelaide and Melbourne, there remains a possibility that Adelaide might hit 40 degrees again on Thursday, as the hot air mass lingers over the southern part of South Australia,” Woebbeking explained.

Weatherzone’s Tim Woebbeking said Wednesday will be the warmest day for multiple cities, particularly for Adelaide and Melbourne.

“While Wednesday stands out as the hottest day of the week for both Adelaide and Melbourne, there is a chance that Adelaide could reach 40 degrees again on Thursday with the hot air mass expected to linger over SA’s south,” Woebbeking said.

The hot weather will reach Melbourne on Thursday and Friday, with maximum temperatures of 30 degrees and 35 degrees respectively.

Thursday could bring some relief for coastal areas within 10 to 20 kilometres of the ocean due to a southerly wind.

However it is expected to remain a sweltering day across in-land SA, NSW and Victoria.

It will be even hotter in Adelaide, with Thursday peaking at 39 degrees, while Friday is forecast to reach 38 degrees.

Although the harbour city won’t see temperatures hit 40 degrees, there will be four days of heat beginning on Wednesday, with the mercury peaking on Saturday at 36 degrees.

However, showers on Sunday will drop temperatures below 30 degrees, with up to five millimetres of rainfall expected.