The heat and humidity that's clutched much of Australia in recent days could be set to break, with thunderstorm warnings issued for multiple states.
Severe thunderstorms have been detected on the weather radar near Bilpin and other parts of the Blue Mountains, the Bureau of Meteorology said this afternoon.
The storm systems were moving north-east, and are forecast to hit the Hawkesbury, particularly Colo Heights, Upper Colo, and the Putty Road, by mid-afternoon.
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Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds are likely.
People are advised to prepare, including moving cars undercover and getting pets into shelter.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes and Plains districts in NSW.
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In Queensland, meanwhile, rain and storms have been forecast throughout the state's northern and western regions.
The Bureau said severe thunderstorms were likely in the Channel Country, along with parts of the south-west and north-west.
Flash flooding is also possible due to heavy rain.
Isolated severe thunderstorms developing in the Border Rangers and Granite Belt regions could bring heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and a "slight" risk of large hail.
It comes as sweltering heat gripped the country over the weekend.
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Weatherzone reported the main culprit was a trough pushing through south-east Australia, drawing warm, moist north-easterly winds as it pushed eastward.
High humidity levels have added to the sultry conditions - but for the south-east at least, it's set to change this week.
Weatherzone said Melbourne wouldn't see a day top 25C next week, and would fall below 20C on Friday - and that was after cracking 34C this Saturday.
A low-pressure system will also bring westerly and south-westerly winds to south-eastern South Australia, Victoria, and NSW on Friday - rising to up to 0km/hr in NSW.
