Heatwave grips Australia as catastrophic fire danger looms

Severe to extreme heatwaves are forecast across most of Australia, prompting warnings of catastrophic fire conditions.

Every state and territory except Queensland has declared heatwave alerts as temperatures are expected to remain high for several days.

Victoria has declared a total fire ban for Friday, with the fire danger rating set at the highest catastrophic level.

Authorities said about 450 schools and childcare centres in Victoria will close as a precaution.

Firefighters have been battling blazes in Victoria and New South Wales, with aircraft deployed to fight a large fire near Wodonga.

Melbourne recorded its hottest day in six years, while some towns in Western Australia saw temperatures reach 49C.

The heatwave is expected to peak on Friday and Saturday, with Sydney forecast to reach 42C.

This looks like the most significant event at a multi-day level for inland south-east Australia since 2019-2020.

Angus Hines said.

Officials warned that strengthening winds, dry lightning and thunderstorms could make fires unpredictable and uncontrollable.

Prepare now and enact your bushfire survival plan.

Tim Wiebusch said.