Winter heatwave sees temperatures nudge 39 degrees amid warning of storms

Despite it still being winter, some parts of Australia have recorded temperatures just shy of 40 degrees, while others are in for a cool change in coming days.

Oodnadatta in South Australia clocked a scorching 39.3 degrees, while in Western Australia, Wyndham in the northern Kimberly got up to 38.7 degrees.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said unseasonal warmth is impacting central and eastern Australia this weekend and may continue into next week for some parts of the country.

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Queensland almost broke its August record with temperatures well above average in the interior and south east, with near-record August warmth in the southwest.

"Typically, August is when we see spring weather building, but this extreme and prolonged heat is unusual," the BoM said.

Tomorrow will be sunny and warm across the majority of Queensland.

Temperatures in Sydney were around 27 degrees, and 21 in Melbourne.

On Sunday, cold fronts are forecast for Victoria, and southern NSW, bringing potentially damaging winds and severe thunderstorms.

And after parts of Western Australia hit unseasonal highs earlier today, a strong cold front began to move through the southern parts of the state.

The next few days will have strong winds, showers and gusty storms.