New South Wales is experiencing severe heatwave conditions, stretching from the Hunter region to the south coast. In Tasmania, more than a dozen homes and buildings have been damaged by an out-of-control fire at Dolphin Sands, with two firefighters injured in the process.
Tasmanian crews are working hard to contain the fire, which has already burned over 700 hectares. While the fire is currently at a watch and act level, residents are being urged not to return to the affected areas.
TasNetworks has confirmed severe fire damage to power poles in Dolphin Sands, leaving some residents without power for up to a week. However, cooler temperatures and showers expected on Saturday should provide some relief to the firefighters.
In New South Wales, residents are bracing for temperatures well above average, with Sydney expected to reach 37C and western suburbs reaching the low 40s. Total fire bans are in place for various parts of the state.
Thunderstorms in southeast Australia pose the risk of dry lightning sparking new fires, but temperatures are expected to decrease on Sunday. Meanwhile, Victorians are experiencing milder temperatures after a cold front and thunderstorms passed through the region.
Firefighters in Markwood, northeast of Melbourne, are working to contain a bushfire that has already affected multiple properties.
