THE Bureau of Meteorology says heat will impact parts of eastern New South Wales and eastern Queensland today and into the weekend.

Low to locally-severe heatwave conditions are forecast as daytime and nighttime temperatures reach up to 10°C above average over several days.

In Moree, the temperature is expected to reach 40°C Friday and 39°C Saturday and Sunday.

There is a total fire ban across the north-west Friday and Saturday.

Some rain and showers are forecast for the Moree district early next week and into the new year.

Saturday’s forecast is mostly sunny, with a slight chance of a shower on the northern slopes, near zero chance elsewhere.

There is a chance of a thunderstorm in the north in the morning and afternoon.

Saturday’s overnight temperatures likely to be between 18°C and 23°C with daytime temperatures reaching 33°C to 39°C.

On Friday, the heat will be focused on Sydney and eastern New South Wales, with maximum temperatures in the mid-30s to low-40s.

Sydney City is forecast to reach 38°C, and the low 40s for Western Sydney and the Hunter.

A gusty and cold southerly change will move up the New South Wales coast through the day on Friday, and is expected in Sydney early this evening.

Thunderstorms are also possible for eastern and north-east New South Wales and may become severe, bringing damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain. This includes for Sydney.

The heat will peak across Brisbane and south-east Queensland on Saturday, the bureau says.

Brisbane City is forecast to reach 37°C, and the low 40s in the western suburbs.

High temperatures will continue across much of eastern and central Queensland over the weekend, but also with the possibility of thunderstorms.

Heat and gusty winds will combine to produce elevated Fire Danger Ratings, reaching Extreme for Sydney, the Hunter and the north-western districts on Friday.

Communities are reminded to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via our website www.bom.gov.au or the BOM weather app.

Media Release