Temperatures to nudge 40 degrees across multiple states over the weekend

Temperatures across south-eastern Australia this weekend are forecast to nudge 40 degrees, with major sporting fixtures to feel the brunt of the heatwave.

While the burst of autumn heat shouldn’t be accompanied by soaking humidity, the conditions will impact major sporting events.

Qualifying sessions for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne will take place at 4pm on Saturday when temperatures are forecast to reach their highest at 37 degrees over the city centre street circuit.

Some outer Melbourne suburbs are heading for even hotter conditions, with the mercury peaking at a scorching 39 degrees in Tullamarine.

But Formula One fans can expect much cooler and wetter weather at 3pm on Sunday when the main race begins. That’s when a south-westerly change should start sweeping through, marking the end of the weekend mini heatwave.

The AFL’s heat code could be rolled out on Saturday when Geelong hosts Fremantle at 1.20pm.

Under the regulations, matches can be delayed or postponed when temperatures climb to 36 degrees, and that is expected in Geelong, the second-biggest city in Victoria.

In contrast, the Adelaide versus St Kilda game at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday will miss the extreme conditions forecast in South Australia tomorrow and Saturday when the mercury peaks at 38 degrees.

The big NRL match to follow for weather conditions will be when Wests Tigers travel to Parramatta in Sydney’s western suburbs on Sunday.

Parramatta’s maximum of 37 degrees is expected at 4.05pm, when the game kicks off. The encounter will likely feature additional drinks breaks to provide heat relief for players.

Sydney’s autumn heatwave will begin tomorrow with a top temperature of 31 degrees as the mercury climbs before hitting a maximum of 38 degrees.

The weekend will also be hot in Canberra, with the mercury reaching the mid thirties on Saturday and Sunday.