Temperatures will climb past 40°C this week across southern Australia. South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales face the extreme heat. Saturday brings extra dust from the Sahara. The dust will degrade air quality in several towns.
Northerly winds will push bushfires faster in New South Wales and Victoria. This raises the risk of fresh fires starting. People should drink water often, avoid being outside during peak heat, and watch fire warnings. Experts fear the mix of heat, dust and wind will test emergency teams.