PARTS of the South Australian, Victorian and NSW bush are baking in 45-degree heat, the hottest weather this summer, and it's not much cooler in the city.
South Australia's West Coast and Murray districts, Victoria's Mallee and NSW's Lower Western have recorded temperatures in the mid 40s in the last few days. Kyancutta, Wudinna, Murray Bridge, Walpeup, Ouyen and Pooncarie have all come within half of a degree of the 45 mark.
On Monday the most extreme heat will move east and north of about Adelaide where another scorcher is likely, particularly in the bush where 45 degrees is on the cards again.
Extreme heat will not be confined to inland areas. Both Adelaide and Melbourne will give 43 degrees a nudge.
Unlike on Saturday and Sunday when fire danger ratings (FDRs) didn't quite reach catastrophic levels, Monday is almost certain to be a day of catastrophic fire danger, over a wide area. The difference will be stronger dry northerly winds.
Tasmania is also in for an extreme day, especially in the southeast where gusty northwesterlies will help Hobart exceed 35 degrees.
A cooler southerly change is due to arrive in Adelaide on Monday night and Melbourne on Tuesday.
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