A new heatwave has swept into the state of South Australia, which is expected to engulf fire-ravaged Victoria and New South Wales this weekend.

The heat and dry winds are feared to increase the intensity of the wildfires in those states, where more than 80 fires are still raging.

We've had the benefit of some mitigating, benign conditions over the past few days. But as we've heard, it's going to be hot and dry, says Andrew Crisp from Victoria's emergency services.

He urges people not to wait until they see smoke or fire before taking cover. After the heat, more unsettled weather will follow, with rain that can dampen the fires but also risks causing sudden floods.

Source: TT