It may not feel like it early in the week, but it's going to be in Canberra in the next few days.
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On Monday, the capital was forecasted to reach a maximum of 26 degrees and have a partly cloudy day. Sunday saw temperatures max at 20.4 degrees, the tail end of the severe wind warning on Friday.
But Weatherzone meteorologist Tom Hough said temperatures would gradually rise throughout the week, with Friday to peak at 38 degrees - 10 degrees above the January average.
"So the next couple of days are on the cooler side, with temperatures around 26 to 27 degrees today [Monday], which is just a touch below the average of 28 degrees," Mr Hough said.
"We'll see those temperatures warming from Wednesday with mostly sunny conditions all through the week."
Wednesday will be the first of a string of 30-plus temperatures. It is forecasted to be 33 degrees and mostly sunny. Thursday will be sunny and maximum of 35 degrees.
"Temperatures will peak on Friday at 38 degrees so that's just ahead of another low pressure trough and cold front moving across the south east," he said.
"On Saturday, temperatures will still be warm, so around 37 but there will be a few showers and increased cloud around as that trough moves through and then we'll see temperatures gradually cooling on Sunday, dropping to the low 30s."
Temperatures will also soar in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne as the continental heat slips southward from the Red Centre.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology's heatwave service, most of eastern NSW and a part of eastern Victoria will be in for severe heatwave conditions by Friday.
A region between the ACT and the coast will be in for an extreme heatwave. (See chart below.)
The Australian Open could be in for a couple of punishing days for players and fans, with 38 and 37 degrees tipped for Melbourne on Thursday and Friday.
Weatherzone is owned by Fairfax Media, publisher of this website.
