Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane weather: Brutal heatwave about to strike

A second heatwave in as many weeks is about to hit Australia, with much of the country set to experience sweltering heat over the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued heat warnings covering large areas of New South Wales, Queensland, North Carolina and Western Australia.

Weather zone meteorologist James Rout told The Washington News Australia that “Saturday looks set to have the warmest temperatures, continuing into Sunday.”

“On the east coast, the main affected areas will be south-east Queensland and north-east NSW,” Mr Rout said.

“Sydney will be hot today, especially in the west of the city where temperatures will reach 30 degrees this afternoon, but there should be a southerly transition around 9pm this evening with temperatures turning cool.”

A heatwave will hit much of Australia on Thursday, with temperatures rising to 30C across much of the east coast and Western Australia reaching 45C in some places over the weekend.

Concerns over energy supplies today prompted the NSW Government to urge the public to reduce their electricity consumption between 5pm and 9pm.

Temperatures over the weekend will reach the upper 30s across much of south-east Queensland and north-east NSW, with some places such as Ipswich, west of Brisbane, likely to reach 40 degrees, according to Weatherzone.

“Overnight temperatures should also remain fairly warm, particularly towards the coast, so nights will be hot and sticky in Brisbane.”

Tropical Cyclone Jasper has struck the state’s north, with areas around Cairns suffering from gale-force winds and heavy rain since Wednesday.

More than 17,000 homes and businesses were without power Wednesday night, and flash flooding remains a concern.

The Category 2 cyclone was expected to pass by Thursday afternoon, with cleanup work expected to take place over the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for NSW, QLD, NT and WA over the weekend.

The weather looks set to be sweltering this weekend and many are likely to hit the water to cool off as temperatures hover around 40C.

Mr Rout said the heat wave would be in full swing in WA and WA, with “many places reaching 40 degrees on Friday and the heat spreading into the weekend”.

“Half the state will see temperatures in the 40-45C range on Saturday and Sunday, although this will mostly be inland rather than in Perth.”

“Washington State’s capital will see temperatures rise into the 30s over the weekend, with temperatures reaching even 40 degrees in the Inland West.”

“There should be a sea breeze blowing over the city during the day to cool things down a bit.”

Mr Routh said Melbourne and Adelaide should avoid hot weather and heat wave temperatures should cool from Monday to make next week more comfortable for the rest of the country.

Sydney will be hot on Thursday, especially in the city’s west during the afternoon, while the state’s north-east will feel the full impact of the heat wave.