Heat alert issued as high temperatures bring early taste of summer to eastern Australia

Residents cautioned to minimise heat exposure as the mercury in eastern states forecast to reach up to 12C above average

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Australians can expect a hit of summer-like weather over the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach above the mid-20s in Melbourne and 30C in Sydney, prompting NSW Health to issue a heat alert.

Inland Australia will crack the mid to high 30s while the south-east corner of Western Australia will be the only region to hover below 20C.

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