A vast expanse of intense heat in the Australian outback is anticipated to swell over the weekend and persist into the following days, potentially shattering temperature records across three states.

According to Weatherzone, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory might experience unprecedented October heat, with temperatures projected to soar into the mid-40s Celsius.

This surge in heat originates from a significant accumulation of hot air in Western Australia’s north-west, which has gradually moved across the nation.

The result is unseasonably high temperatures in the outback regions, occurring earlier than typically expected.

Additionally, parts of Australia’s south-east are bracing for a brief spell of this early heat wave, expected to hit later this weekend and continue into the upcoming week.

There is a chance that South Australia’s previous October heat record of 45.4 degrees at Oodnadatta could be broken, with temperatures of 43 degrees expected on Sunday and 45 degrees expected on Monday.

Queensland’s far south-west is expected to see five consecutive days of temperatures as high as 40 degrees starting today.

Sunday and Monday will be the hottest days with temperatures of 44 degrees and 45 degrees, respectively.

The state’s October record currently sits at 45.1 degrees in Birdsville.

NSW’s October temperature record is currently 43.9 degrees in the state’s north-west.

Parts of the upper west are expected to reach 43 degrees on Tuesday.

Australian Capital Territory 

Despite the forecast not being extreme, Canberra is still expected to be hit with a heat surge early next week.

The capital could reach temperatures of 32 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, with the state’s October temperature record sitting at 32.7 degrees.