Two states on alert as sweltering heatwaves, dry storms bring fire danger

Australians living in fire-prone parts of the country's east have been warned to practise caution and brace for extreme weather in the coming days as temperatures in two states soar way above the November average.

In Victoria, lightning strikes have already triggered five fires since Sunday with low precipitation expected this week set to exacerbate the danger. Firefighters say "dry thunderstorms" are responsible for the blazes, which are burning in the state's northeast, including in the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park, about 20 kilometres east of Wangaratta.

Minimal rain and warm temperatures are making extinguishing efforts difficult, with the area understood to be "inaccessible" to firefighters on the ground, meaning waterbombing was required to attack the blaze's perimeter. Meteorologists warn locals that on Wednesday, the risk of bushfire will be extreme, particularly around the Mallee district, the Wimmera and parts of Central Victoria.

Grasslands in Victoria 'up to 80 per cent dry'

Grasslands in affected parts of Central and Northern Victoria are believed to be "up to 80 per cent dry", according to Country Fire Authority Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mick Sporton. He urged residents to pack supplies and have a safe location at the ready should they need to flee quickly.

A potentially lethal mix of dry, hot, windy and stormy conditions are set to sweep across the area on Wednesday, which firefighters say could result in "hundreds" of grass fires as a result of lightning strikes.

Queensland's southwest to be hit by heatwave

Meanwhile, people living in outback towns in Queensland's southwest have been told to prepare for a heatwave that could see temperatures skyrocket a staggering 11 degrees about the average for this time of year.

The "severe" heatwave is set to lash Channel Country, as well as Maranoa, and Warrego from Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warns of "extreme fire danger" in the area from today throughout the week, with "fresh and gusty northwesterly winds" adding to the risk.

It said temperatures in the country towns of Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Thargomindah and Windorah could reach the low 40s "for much of, if not all, of this coming week". There are currently active fire bans in Paroo, Barcoo, Quilpie and Bulloo Shires.

"The heat will peak on Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures in the low to mid forties, with overnight minimum temperatures in the mid to high twenties," the BoM said. "Locations likely to be impacted include Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Thargomindah and Windorah."

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Dry and hot in WA this week ahead of long summer

In Western Australia, residents in Roebourne in the state's north have also been warned over a heatwave this week, with the mercury expected to reach the low 40s across the next few days.

Perth and the southwest of the state have seen drier-than-usual weather recently, with the city last week sweating through four days above 30 degrees. Forecasters warn WA residents are in for long and hot summer ahead.

In NSW, temperatures will remain relatively stable, with rain possible almost every day until Sunday across the metro area. An "invasion" of bluebottles recently swept across the beaches along the coast, putting swimmers at risk of painful stings.

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