Steamy conditions forecast for the east coast today as an autumn heatwave sweeps across Queensland and NSW. 

Meteorologists say the temperatures in some regions could soar to 12 degrees above the average for this time of year.

Long-range forecaster Ken Kato told Laurel, Gary & Mark the heat will “ease back” toward the end of the weekend.

“And when I say ‘ease back’, I don’t mean a big cool or cold change, or anything like that,” he said.

“It should still be a little bit above average.”

Press PLAY below to hear whether this is part of a developing El Niño trend

Image: Getty