Sri Lanka, Jan. 8 -- Parts of Australia will face catastrophic fire conditions on Friday, when heatwaves are expected to hit most of the country.

Severe to extreme heatwaves have been declared in every state and territory in Australia, except for Queensland, with high temperatures forecast for days.

The state of Victoria has declared a total fire ban for Friday, as the fire danger rating will be set at "catastrophic" - the highest level. Some 450 schools and childcare centres will be closed.

One meteorologist told the BBC that the combination of heatwaves and an elevated fire danger in parts of the country could create the most "significant" conditions since the devastating Black Summer bushfires.

On Thursday, firefighters battled sev...