Millions to sweat through final summer burst of heat

Summer will give way to autumn on Saturday but in the season's final days, a last burst of heat will grip much of the country and leave millions sweltering.

Weatherzone attributes the heat to a high-pressure system over the Great Australian Bight, which is pulling hot, dry air south as it moves east.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 32 degrees for Sydney on Friday - the final day of summer - but the temperature is likely to rise in the western suburbs.

READ MORE: Remote beach murder trial to start after six-year wait

Melbourne is set to spike to 34 degrees tomorrow before dropping back to highs of mid-20s for the rest of the week.

Brisbane's top temperatures are forecast to hover around 31 or 30 degrees all week, before cooling slightly with the arrival of anticipated rain from Sunday.

Adelaide is predicted to reach 33 degrees today, followed by tops of 31 for Wednesday and Thursday, before a slight dip on Friday.

READ MORE: Golden toilet stolen from UK palace, court hears

But temperatures are expected to linger around the 30-degree mark next week.

The national capital is also braced for a hot one, with a top of 34 degrees today, and temperatures in the high 30s to remain through til next week.

Perth will also experience temperatures of 30 to 33 degrees before a cool change next Monday.

READ MORE: Macron's bold message to Trump ahead of key meeting

View gallery

ADF to build temporary bridge to give access to flood-ravaged town

Hobart is set to reach 28 degrees tomorrow, but otherwise bucks the national trend, with temperatures dropping to the low 20s for the week.

Darwin, meanwhile, will see 33 and 34 degree tops for the rest of the week along with forecast rain and possible storms - before actually getting hotter next week with Monday and Tuesday forecast to hit 35 degrees.

Weatherzone said Australia's interior was facing even hotter conditions, with temperatures at Birdsville in Queensland expected to see tops of 43 to 46 degrees consistently in the coming week.

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.