(CNN) A new heat wave is expected to hit Australia over the weekend and into next week, raising fears that high temperatures and dry winds could further intensify deadly bushfires that are burning out of control.

In some parts of South Australia, authorities have raised a "severe" fire danger rating, which advised residents that evacuating early was "the safest option" for their survival.

Temperatures were forecast to peak at a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) in the state capital, Adelaide, on Saturday and Sunday, potentially rising to 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Monday, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Heatwave conditions are developing over South Australia, peaking on Monday. Know how to stay healthy in the heat: https://t.co/lO2M7q35zV and stay up to date with the weather by checking outthe the latest forecast: https://t.co/sVYeXMACJC pic.twitter.com/A6HjZX9fX7 — Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia (@BOM_SA) December 27, 2019

The heat wave was scheduled to reach the eastern part of the country over the weekend, according to CNN Weather producer Taylor Ward.

"Over the weekend the heat will build over Victoria and New South Wales, gradually reaching all the way to the Sydney area by Monday," he said. "Temperatures and the fire threat will increase as we head through the weekend, with the worst conditions expected for the fire-plagued areas of eastern New South Wales on Monday and Tuesday."

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