Intense heat could smash temperature records in south-east Australia with catastrophic fire danger forecast

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 pushes into south-east Australia, bringing extreme to catastrophic fire conditions.

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