Weekend heatwave forecast for NSW and Victoria, with temperatures to top 36C in Melbourne

Extreme heat expected to hit much of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and inland NSW as central Queensland braces for flooding

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Much of Australia's east coast will swelter through heatwave conditions this weekend with temperatures set to soar to up to 12C above average, while central Queensland braces for flash flooding after days of soaking rain.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for much of Victoria and New South Wales stretching out into the weekend, with temperatures expected to top 36C on Friday and Saturday in Melbourne.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email