Temperatures have already reached the high-30s in parts of Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia today, and are expected to continue climbing as the day unfolds.

Heavy rain will also lash southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales this weekend, with minor flood warnings issued for the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley and several Queensland rivers including the Bremer, Mary and Burrum Rivers.

Flash flooding due to intense rainfall has already affected the South Burnett area, with the council issuing an Emergency Alert Watch and Act warning residents not to drive in flooded areas.

This weekend, the Northern Territory’s south-east corner, Western Australia’s South Interior and South Australia’s North West Pastoral District can expect maximum temperatures in the low to mid 40s and overnight minimums in the mid to high 20s.

Queensland’s Channel Country can expect similar conditions during the weekend but severe heatwave conditions will continue to build into next week, with overnight temperatures in the low 30s.

According to Weatherzone, temperatures could reach 46 to 47°C in parts of far western Queensland during the first half of next week, while temperatures are also predicted to hit 45 to 46°C in northern South Australia and 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.