Australians are bracing for elevated fire dangers and temperatures in the 40s gripping southeastern parts of the country, as a far-spread heatwave continues. In Sydney, western suburbs will see the mercury rise to 39C in areas such as Penrith and 38C in Richmond. Parts of country and rural NSW are tipped to get even hotter with city of Wagga Wagga forecast for a 40C day and the NSW/VIC border town of Albury-Wodonga reaching 38C. In the capital cities, Melbourne will reach a maximum of 39C while Canberra will also swelter through a maximum of 37. Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart will be in for a slight reprieve, with a maximum of 32C, while 30C is forecasted for Brisbane and Darwin.