A former gold rush town in Western Australia's Pilbara region has experienced its hottest Autumn day in recorded history.

The mercury in Roebourne in the state's north hit a sweltering 47.1C yesterday, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said.

"(That's) the hottest it's ever been this late in the season," BoM said.

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Temperatures across the town are expected to cool to the high 30s over the weekend, before climbing above 40C again next week.

The extreme heat is being fuelled by a high pressure system, which moved into the Bight on Thursday resulting in northerly winds over southwestern parts of the State.

"Friday will be warm for many areas, with some areas set to reach temperatures 8-10°C above average for this time of year," the BoM said.

As the west braces for extreme temperatures the BoM has told northern and eastern Australia "more above-average rainfall" is on its way.

Australia is in the grips of a La Niña wet weather event, which has peaked but is seeing a delayed end due to "stronger than average" trade winds.

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The BoM said "La Niña is likely to return to neutral by late-autumn."

Let's see what the weather is doing around the nation's capitals.

Brisbane

Brisbane will experience a rainy day as temperatures reach 29C.

Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then become light in the late evening.

Sydney

Showers and a potential thunderstorm are also developing in Sydney, which will today reach a maximum temperature of 27C.

Rain is most likely during this afternoon and evening.

Melbourne

Light showers will be felt across Melbourne, which will reach a high of 21C.

Sunny breaks will increase by late afternoon.

Canberra

A shower or two is also developing in the nation's capital, as the mercury hits 27C.

"There's a medium chance of showers during this afternoon and evening," BoM wrote.

"The chance of a thunderstorm during this afternoon and early evening."

Hobart

Temperatures will reach a maximum of 18C in Hobart, with an early shower forecast.

Winds will tend south to southwesterly at 20 to 30 km/h, tend south to southeasterly in the middle of the day, then become light in the late evening.

Adelaide

A sunny day will play out in Adelaide where a maximum temperature of 29C is forecast.

Winds will tend southeasterly at 20 to 30 km/h.

Darwin

Showers and a "gusty" storm are possible in tropical Darwin. This is most likely from late morning and afternoon, BoM said.

A maximum temperature of 34C is forecast.

Perth

And in Perth, the mercury will hit 29C. It will be partly cloudy with light winds.