Heatwave and fire warnings as parts of Victoria expected to approach ‘all-time maximum record’ temperatures

At least five days of temperatures above 40C forecast for parts of South Australia, Victoria and NSW

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Victorians are being warned to brace for another heatwave, with temperatures set to soar towards record levels in some parts of the state, putting authorities on alert in fire-affected areas.

South Australia and parts of New South Wales have also been told to prepare for hot weather, due to what the Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn described as a “dome of heat” that has caused record-breaking heat in Western Australia moving east.