Extreme heat brings health, fire and power cut warnings across south-eastern Australia

States from South Australia to Queensland prepare for temperatures above 40C as parliamentary inquiry examines power supply crisis

Authorities have warned of health risks, catastrophic bushfire danger and possible power cuts as southern and eastern Australia faces several days of extreme heat.

Temperatures are tipped to rise as high as 48C in some parts of New South Wales, with total fires bans and extreme or severe fire danger warnings in place across most of the state.