Australia is bracing for a weekend of diverse weather patterns, with a mix of thunderstorms and heatwaves impacting various parts of the country.

Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide are on alert for thunderstorms, while a heatwave is expected to hit areas of northern and western Queensland, including Bundaberg and its coastal surroundings.

Since Thursday, the Northern Territory’s inland has experienced nearly 400,000 lightning strikes. Now, Weatherzone predicts additional thunderstorms for Western Australia’s interior and the western region of South Australia.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to subside tomorrow as they move eastward, yet heavy rainfall remains a concern for Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.

Simultaneously, heatwave conditions are set to heighten in parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the northern regions of Western Australia.

Temperatures in these areas are expected to soar into the low 40s for several consecutive days.

High fire danger ratings will remain in parts of Australia’s north and east as hot, dry and windy conditions.

Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.