By Samantha Lock

Australia’s east coast will swelter through a summer-like heatwave with some areas to notch record-breaking temperatures.

Parts of NSW, Victoria and SA could feel temperatures up to 12C above the March average in what’s shaping as a hot weekend.

Melbourne and Adelaide can expect temperatures in the high 30s on Saturday, while Sydney can expect a maximum of 37C on Sunday.

Inland areas will be hotter still, with Mildura in Victoria’s northwest to reach 41C and SA’s Renark to climb to 42C by Saturday afternoon.

The heat is expected to stick around into the evening with the weather bureau predicting record-breaking March minimum temperatures overnight, especially across northern parts of Victoria including Shepparton and Albury-Wodonga.

“It is quite late in the season to see the heat (but) not unprecedented,” Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Jonathan How said.

“What it means is that we will see the temperatures up to 12 degrees above the March average and elevated fire dangers as well.”

Authorities are warning the hot, dry conditions could increase the risk of bushfires in all three states.

The heatwave is expected to give way to a cold front moving northeast.

“Thankfully, it’s not a long sort of heatwave,” Mr How said. “We will see relief coming through in the next 24 to 36 hours.”

SA and Victoria are likely to feel the reprieve on Sunday but NSW won’t see temperatures drop until Monday.

The cold front will likely bring widespread rain showers and thunderstorms.

Southern Queensland will also enjoy dry, calmer weather allowing floodwaters to recede and recovery efforts from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to continue.

Canberra’s forecast is for 35C and sunny on Saturday and 33C with a shower or two on Sunday.