Australia heading for hottest October day in years as bushfire risk escalates

Fire authorities warn residents to use advance notice of risk to prepare their survival plans

Eastern parts of Australia will experience their hottest October day in years on Thursday as forecasters warn temperatures could hit 16C above average in some areas as the risk of bushfires increases.

The Bureau of Meteorology says southern parts of South Australia, west and central parts of New South Wales and much of Victoria and Tasmania will see temperatures peak well above average on Thursday.