As for this weekend's hairdryer - I can't see it getting above record July temps for most of the state. It might get close in the Mallee, but probably not here or in Melbourne.
The airmass is record warm, but only just makes it into Victoria so we won't see widespread records (unless the surprising happens). The main records to watch are the July state records for SA, Victoria and NSW. The SA one is a bit of an outside chance (I'm thinking the state will top out around 33C so a degree below the record), NSW is likely to get close (current record is 31.7C) and think the Vic record is more likely than not (current record is 27.1C). Records take all forms.
The wierd thing is the whole set up is pretty benign. We get quite a decent front for Thursday into Friday and then in just 24 hours of NW'ly flow make a run at records. You look for freakish weather set-ups for significant records, not run of the mill frontal sequences.
Showers looking sparse now, and feel like a cold morning ahead of a pretty nice day tomorrow (followed by another windy and showery change).