These places should brace for another day of daytime temperatures 6C to 8C warmer than usual seasonal averages, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said.

Queensland remains on alert

“Rainfall totals are expected to be lower than they were during the past weekend, but the rain is likely to be enough to prolong the existing flooding and potentially cause new areas of flooding,” the BoM’s Miriam Bradbury said.

BoM is forecasting the rain to become patchier on Tuesday afternoon with thunderstorms and showers lingering for the rest of the week.

Heatwaves for regional NSW

There are severe heatwave warnings for the South Coast and Snowy Mountains Districts, which are expected to gradually ease later in the week.

On Tuesday, Wagga Wagga is expected to reach a top of 39C.

Sharp cool change for Victoria

But scorching temperatures in Melbourne could rapidly plummet by 12C on Tuesday, as parts of Victoria remain under severe bushfire warnings.

— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.