Highs of over 50C are expected, with meteorologists warning the heat could break the country’s existing record of 50.7C measured at Oodnadatta, South Australia, in 1960.
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The bureau has weather warnings in place for almost the entire country, with fire warnings issued in Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
The warnings come as parts of Australia are being scorched by enormous bushfires that have already destroyed hundreds of homes.
In Western Australia, firefighters are battling three major bushfires burning an area of more than 20,000 hectares.
In the last 100 years, heatwaves have killed more people in Australia than bushfires, earthquakes, floods and severe storms combined, news.com.au notes.
Scientists have said Australia could be facing a “dangerous new normal”, and residents in affected areas are calling for a new approach from authorities. »
