A heatwave in the southern states of Australia is entering day two.
AAP reports temperatures of 42C in Adelaide are forecast for Tuesday, 43C on Wednesday and Thursday and 40C on Friday before a cool change.
Melbourne is forecast to top 40C on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with 39C predicted for Wednesday.
Victorian Fire Service Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the heatwave will create perfect bushfire conditions.
Ambulance Victoria emergency management manager Paul Holman said the heatwave is the worst since before the Black Saturday fires in 2009.
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said people without air-conditioning at home should consider heading to cooler public facilities such as cinemas, shopping centres and libraries.
AAP reports a total fire ban is in place for southern Tasmania on Tuesday.
On Sunday in Western Australia, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said 52 houses and two sheds were destroyed by a bushfire in the Perth hills, but four people unaccounted for have been found alive.
One man died after collapsing on the roof of his house.
"I can confirm that 52 properties have been destroyed by the fire over the course of the last two days," DFES Superintendent Gary Baxter told ABC Radio on Tuesday.
He said the fire was most likely due to a power pole.
