Scorching heatwave hits four states before cool change

Four states are set to swelter through a heatwave bringing scorching temperatures for the next 24 hours.

Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales are in the firing line, with some residents warned of temperatures higher than 40C.

However, the hot weather won't last much longer, with the Bureau of Meteorology advising a cool change will sweep through mid-week.

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In Adelaide, temperatures are set to hit 40 degrees today, sparking a total fire ban across the regions, including Lower Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas.

The ban will be in place until midnight tomorrow when temperatures are expected to drop back into the mid 20s.

Meanwhile, Victoria has experienced days of scorching temperatures driving thousands of people to the state's waterways and beaches.

Today is expected to be no different, with towns in the state's north west to exceed 40 degrees in the hottest day of the year.

Suburbs in Mallee in the north-west near the NSW-Victoria border, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central will all see blistering temperatures today.

In Melbourne, it's expected to be slightly cooler with a high of 37 degrees.

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The heatwave sweeping across Victoria's north-west will also drive up temperatures in New South Wales' south.

"Maximum temperatures in the mid- to high-thirties are expected over southern inland parts, with minimum temperatures in the low to mid twenties," the bureau said.

"The heat will peak over most parts on Tuesday as maximum temperatures reach forty over southern inland parts."

Sydney is forecast to reach 28 degrees today.

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Tasmania isn't exempt from the sweltering conditions with Hobart hitting a high of 30 degrees today.

The bureau said coastal areas will peak at the low to mid-thirties.

The Central North, Central Plateau, western suburbs, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley and some of the south east will all reach above 30 degrees.

Heatwaves can be particularly dangerous for older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and those who are unwell.

"Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre," the bureau advised.

"Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.

"If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool."

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