Damaging winds coming as great temperature divide hits Australia

Parts of Australia are being told to brace for damaging winds which could feature gusts of over 100km/h.

NSW, Victoria and South Australia are all in the eye of the windy conditions tomorrow and on Saturday, with gusts of up to 140km/h possible in the alpine regions, according to Weatherzone.

These conditions could topple trees and powerlines, with this being more likely in areas with softer soil due to recent rain in parts of the country.

READ MORE: A warmer and wetter spring in store for much of Australia, Bureau of Meteorology says

The combination of winds and snow could also cause blizzard conditions in the alps over the next few days, which could create hazardous driving conditions.

It comes as the final days of winter shape to bring massive contrasts in temperatures.

In parts of south-eastern states, the mercury will struggle to lift above zero, while in northern Australia, temperatures are forecast to hit 40 degrees, Weatherzone reports.

Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and south-western NSW are being blanketed by a frigid polar air mass that will send temperatures plunging from today.

The highest alpine weather stations, such as Thredbo in NSW, are forecast to have maximum temperatures of -4 degrees through to Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Northern Territory's north-west and north-eastern WA are heading for their first 40-degree day as the late dry season takes hold.

If the mercury hits that mark, it would be at least five degrees above average for August in the Top End.

Weatherzone meteorologist Joel Pippard says the concentration of heat is down to last week's static weather pattern.

"The most recent pattern of frequent cold fronts down south has helped to concentrate the heat into a line, create a sharp temperature contrast across the country," he said.

The initial blast of cold air swept through south-eastern Australia early today.

It followed heavy rain in alpine regions, with the Perisher Valley in the NSW Snowy Mountains receiving a 90mm downpour.

Sub-zero temperatures, powerful winds and snowfalls are expected there for the next three days.

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.