Millions of Aussies are in for wet and stormy weekend as severe weather lashes east coast

Millions of Australians are in for a wet and stormy weekend as showers and thunderstorms rain down across the east coast, while inland parts of Australia are set to swelter through soaring temperatures.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of southeast inland Queensland, with heavy rain, damaging winds and large hailstones expected to hit the region on Friday afternoon.

Flash flooding could affect areas west of Brisbane.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Dean Narramore said widespread showers and thunderstorms would hit northern and eastern parts of Australia, while inland and southern areas would be warm, dry and sunny.

Heatwave conditions are expected in central parts of Australia, as temperatures are expected to soar into the mid to high 40s next week.

However, wet and stormy conditions across the east coast mean temperatures in Sydney and Canberra will remain in the mid 20s.

Northeast and eastern parts of Victoria could be hit with showers and thunderstorms from Friday afternoon, but the remainder of the state will be warm and humid.

Melbourne temperatures are forecast to reach the high 20s and low 30s across the weekend.

Tasmania will be warm and dry and temperatures could develop into low intensity heatwave conditions.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 20s, with showers and thunderstorms expected in higher inland areas.

Inland parts of South Australia will be hit with heatwave conditions, as much of the state experiences hot and sunny weather across the weekend. Adelaide will remain in the low 30s on Saturday and Sunday.

Western Australia will be dry and sunny in southern and western parts of the state, with temperatures in Perth sitting in the high 20s and low 30s.

Hot and stormy conditions will continue in the north, with temperatures expected to reach the low 40s in parts of the Northern Territory, including Darwin.