Australia's south-east is warned of sweltering conditions as many states enjoy a long weekend.
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Temperatures are forecast to settle around 40 degrees across the whole weekend with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing severe heatwave warnings for northern Tasmania, Victoria and southern parts of South Australia, while southern NSW will experience a "low" heatwave.
On March 8, the mercury is rising to 40 degrees in western NSW, including Wilcannia and Ivanhoe, and in South Australia at Port Augusta.
The following day widespread temperatures of 40 and above are forecast, particularly in South Australia and western Victoria.
The heat continues on March 10 with temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s across South Australia, Victoria and western parts of NSW.
And there's no relief in sight for the March 11 public holidays in Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and South Australia.
In the southern state Launceston will see the most heat on the long weekend with three days in the low 30s.
Finally on March 12 relief arrives for some as "milder air extends through Tasmania and southern Victoria", Bureau meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said.
Elevated fire conditions are also expected due to the extreme heat across the weekend.
A heatwave is a three-day period of unusually warm daytime and nighttime temperatures, meaning no relief overnight, Ms Bradbury explained.
"That is really hard for the body to recover from. It's a sign to us that we need to stay cool, stay hydrated," she said.
Stay updated with Bureau weather warnings at bom.gov.au/australia/warnings