Heat alert as states hit with scorching conditions

Australians are likely to head to beaches to cool off as a heatwave grips many parts of the country. (Nikki Short/AAP PHOTOS)

Australians are being warned to prepare for high temperatures as a heatwave grips many parts of the country.

Much of NSW and parts of Queensland, South Australia, West Australia, the Northern Territory and ACT are copping soaring temperatures that are expected to intensify towards the end of the week.