Thousands have thrown on their swimmers and sunblock as they scramble to Sydney’s beaches to make the most of the sweltering heat.
Sun-lovers flocked to Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach on Sunday as temperatures tipped 34 degrees.
Sunbathers made the most of the latest low pressure front that brought clear skies and plenty of heat.
Beachgoers were treated with a taste of the coming summer months with the thermostat edging close to 36 degrees in the city’s west.
Time to cool off: Beachgoers soak up the rays at Bondi Beach on Sunday as scorching temperatures leave Sydneysiders sweating
Victorians enjoyed slightly cooler levels dipping into the high 30s as the eastern states received the benefits of a cold front sweeping in from central areas
Snack time: This man enjoys a banana on the beach as he works on his tan with thousands of others
Sydneysiders were advised to make the most of the scorching temperatures while they lasted as a southerly change was moving up the coast, Weatherzone forecaster Drew Casper-Richardson said.
Temperatures remain in the high 20s on Monday but dip down to a cooler 22 degrees as the week rolls on.
Victorians have enjoyed slightly cooler than-normal temperatures, he said.
Melbourne’s temperatures peaked at 18 degrees on Sunday and are expected to hang around the low 20s before shooting up to a scorching 33 degrees on Thursday.
Authorities are warning people to be wary of the danger of heat exhaustion as the temperatures continue to climb heading into summer.
NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Alan Morrison said people needed to look out for those who are most vulnerable.
Beachgoers were treated with a taste of the coming summer months with the thermostat edging close to 36 degrees in some areas in Sydney
Sun-lovers flocked to Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach on Sunday as temperatures tipped 34 degrees
Drip dry: With high temperatures many people scrambled to get to the beach to take a quick dip
As a severe heatwave has been wreaking havoc across Queensland, residents are being urged to stay indoors with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees.
Dry and hot conditions have pushed the fire rating to severe, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Bushfires at Deepwater and Eungella in central Queensland, as well as at Carnarvon in the southwest and on North Stradbroke Island, near Brisbane, were highlighted as the most concerning.
Warmer than average days and nights are expected for almost all of Australia for the next few months, according to meteorologists.
Authorities are warning people to be wary of the danger of heat exhaustion as the temperatures continue to climb heading into summer
The week ahead shows both Adelaide and Perth having mostly sunny days, however, there is a 20 per cent chance of rain over the western suburbs of Perth on Wednesday
There will be further development towards El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean, with outlooks suggesting El Niño conditions are likely through the summer months.
However, El Niño typically has a weaker influence on rainfall in southeastern Australia during summer than it does in winter and spring.
The week ahead shows both Adelaide and Perth having mostly sunny days, however, there is a 20 per cent chance of rain over the western suburbs of Perth on Wednesday.
Hobart can expect showers throughout the day on Monday, the wet weather should clear by Tuesday.
Canberra experienced periods of dust haze on Sunday but can expect clear skies all week long.
Darwin could be hit with wild weather in the middle of the week as rain and thunder moves in. The stormy weather is expected to remain until at least Saturday.
Bombs away: As summer edges closer temperatures continue to soar across Australia
Hot air is being pushed from the centre of the country towards the east coast by a cold front, which will pass through by Sunday
Sydney reached 38C on Friday while parts of New South Wales hit a high of 41C as summer set in early in parts of the eastern states