Intense heat across south-east Australia could shatter temperature records in coming days

High to extreme fire danger expected across several states as inland parts of SA, Victoria, NSW and Queensland may have more than five days above 40C

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All-time temperature records could tumble in Victoria and New South Wales over coming days, as a dome of intense heat pushed into south-east Australia, bringing extreme to catastrophic fire conditions.

Starting from Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a prolonged period of intense heat across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland. Some inland areas could experience more than five days above 40C.