Summer returns with mammoth heatwave to hit NSW and Queensland

Two states are set to swelter through a horror autumn heatwave that will be just as hot as anything experienced in the summer.

NSW and Queensland residents are in for a sweaty start to autumn, with at least six days of weather over 30C to hit both states.

The low and medium intensity heatwaves are set to begin in Western Australia, with a band of heat to travel across the country to hit the two states later in the week.

NSW is in the “bullseye” of the sweltering conditions, according to WeatherZone’s Anthony Sharwood.

Parts of Sydney could reach 38C on Thursday. Picture: Windy

“While extreme temps above 40C will be confined to the far west of that state, maximums in the mid-to-high 30s will be widespread and extend all the way to the coast, with temps nearing 40C in western Sydney on both Thursday and Saturday,” he said.

Penrith is set to bear the brunt of the heat in Sydney with highs of 38C degrees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, though temperatures will remain high until at least Monday.

The heatwave will travel across Australia from where it started in WA. Picture: WeatherZone

Sydney city will experience a slightly cooler 35C degrees on Thursday, with temperatures to hover around 30C degrees until next week.

Not only will temperatures rise, but NSW is set to bear the brunt of high winds sweeping up from the southern states.

“With a cold front crossing Tasmania late in the day its going to enhance the winds across the southeast and drag the heat all the way to the NSW coast,” Sky News meteorologist Rob Sharpe said.

“We’re talking about mid-30s temperatures all the way to the coastline in some places.”

Queensland will also be scorched, with Brisbane to hit 35C on Friday,; however, temperatures will remain over 30C for the whole week.

Ipswich will jump to 36C; however, Birdsville will be forced to endure 42C on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.