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'Extreme heatwave': Warning for NSW, parts of Queensland with temperatures to surpass 40C

Sydney has been placed on bushfire alert with "very hot, dry and gusty winds" sweeping through and a top of 42 degrees expected in the city's west.

On Thursday morning, the NSW Rural Fire Service declared a total fire ban for the Greater Sydney and the Illawarra/Shoalhaven regions with a "severe fire danger" forecast.

In Queensland, residents are bracing for an "extreme heatwave," and could affect public transport and power with the mercury to hit 44 in parts of the Channel Country in the southwestern interior of the state.

Temperatures in Sydney's west are expected to soar beyond 40 with Liverpool, Richmond, Parramatta and Penrith expected to swelter.

Beaches around the east coast will be swamped by those trying to beat the heat. Source: Getty
Beaches around the east coast will be swamped by those trying to beat the heat. Source: Getty

Across the rest of the country, a trough of high pressure will also bring winds to central Australia, western Queensland and Victoria, according to Weatherzone.

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The warm winds are also expected to reach parts of Tasmania.

In South Australia a few showers and cooler conditions are expected in several regions after temperatures reached the mid-40s on Wednesday in some parts.

On Thursday morning, the NSW Rural Fire Service declared a total fire ban. Photo: BOM
On Thursday morning, the NSW Rural Fire Service declared a total fire ban. Photo: BOM

A scrub fire north of Adelaide threatened one property as the hot weather and strong winds created extreme fire conditions in the past 24 hours.

But a cool change moved through by the afternoon and temperatures in most areas are expected to slip back into the 20s for Thursday.

Melbourne sweltered in a heatwave on Wednesday with the temperature still hovering above 20 overnight, but a cooler day is expected on Thursday with a forecast top of 25.