Eleven towns in Victoria’s west are at risk from a bushfire burning out of control near the Grampians,as the winds that carried a cool change to Melbourne brought new threats for firefighters.
The heat threatens to worsen existing fires in the Grampians,which are burning out of control as firefighters engage in back-burning to limit the spread.
City-dwellers have been moving to the coast and country for a more relaxed lifestyle and cheaper housing,but there can be a hidden cost.
As the mercury is predicted to soar to 37 degrees on Tuesday,thousands of residents are still without power and are worried and frustrated at the delays.
Geraldton Airport hit 49.3 degrees – its equal hottest on record on Monday,and the state is bracing for a scorching week ahead.
Pool pumps and air-conditioning will put the electricity network to the test as the city sweats through to the end of January.
Cyclone Sean is not expected to make landfall but will bring with it damaging winds up to 120km/h for the Pilbara coast.
Total fire bans will be in effect across much of the state on Sunday as the heat persists.
South-east Australia is facing a weekend of heatwaves,with temperatures forecast to push 40 degrees in parts of Sydney.
The mercury will remain high around the clock,with an overnight low of 24 degrees forecast on Sunday.