Health warnings as heatwave strikes Australia's south

A health alert has been issued for parts of Victoria and South Australia where the temperature is set to rocket ahead of the weekend.

Melbourne is due to reach 35C on Thursday while some centres in the state’s northwest could surpass 40C according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The state government’s warning covers districts including the Mallee and Wimmera.

“The chief health officer has issued a heat health alert to notify you of forecast extreme heat conditions at or above heat health temperature thresholds,” the statement read.

The warning urged residents to take extra care when out and about, remembering to stay hydrated.

Victorians were also reminded to never leave children or pets in vehicles alone.

“Heat has been building, fanned by a northerly breeze… there’s plenty of sunshine, no real cloud,” bureau senior forecaster Chris Godfred said.

The hazard will continue on Friday when temperatures are expected to increase further, with Melbourne stretching to 38C and inland regional centres including Mildura due to record 40C.

“We haven’t seen temperatures this high this early in December since 1994,” Mr Godfred said.

South Australia to swelter through extreme temperatures

Temperatures are set to soar in South Australia as well, with the Adelaide Oval to cop the brunt of the heat for Australia’s first test against India.

Temperatures could rise to as high as 39C in the state capital.

A severe bushfire risk has been declared for five South Australian districts with temperatures set to soar.

The Country Fire Service says severe conditions can be expected on Thursday on the west coast, the lower Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and across the Mt Lofty Ranges.

Temperatures will be high across the state, hitting the low 40s in some regional centres.

– With AAP