Heatwaves forecast for vast swathe of the country across the weekend [Video]

Temperatures will soar into the mid-40s as severe and intense heatwaves are forecast for inland Australia this weekend, while parts of the northern and eastern coasts are expected to be lashed with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued heatwave warnings for most of the Northern Territory, inland areas of Queensland and Western Australia, western Tasmania, and parts of South Australia over the next two days.

The Northern Territory’s south-east corner, Western Australia’s South Interior and South Australia’s North West Pastoral District can expect maximum temperatures in the low to mid 40s and overnight minimums in the mid to high 20s.

Queensland’s Channel Country can expect similar conditions on the weekend but severe heatwave conditions will continue to build into next week, with overnight temperatures in the low 30s.

According to Weatherzone, temperatures could reach 46 to 47 degrees celsius in parts of far western Qld during …