Australia has always been known as the country with sunny beaches and outdoorsy lifestyle.
But many will be swapping that for indoors and air-conditioning when an extreme heatwave descends on the land down under this week. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that parts of the country will experience temperatures between 10-12 degrees above the average.
Western Sydney suburbs like Penrith and Richmond are forecast to get as warm as 43-45 degrees. Bet your ice-cream wouldn't last long in those conditions.
It's worse news for South Australian residents, who have been under a 'code red'. That heatwave level allows extra funding to be provided for homeless people and a hotline that calls elderly people to make sure they're okay.
Premier Steven Marshall had this warning to citizens: "These are extraordinary temperatures that are forecast this week," the premier said.
"My strong message to South Australians is to stay hydrated, stay out of the heat as much as possible, and most importantly, check on the vulnerable."
The town of Marree experienced a whopping 48 degrees Celsius yesterday, which, I don't know about you, sounds pretty bloody hot.
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While most people will be fanning themselves inside, most likely sticking to leather couch, some aren't so lucky.
Some of the biggest names in tennis are in Melbourne for the Australian Open and have to whack balls across the net for hours in these conditions. Similarly, the Tour Down Under cycling event kicked off in Adelaide today.
Victoria is under a complete fire ban, with the state also set to experience the same temperatures as New South Wales and South Australia.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said: "We're still in the summer holiday period before school returns, with a large number of people camping and visiting national parks. It is important everyone stays vigilant and don't light camp fires," he said.
"There won't be much relief from the heat overnight on Tuesday, meaning if we have fires in the landscape they could challenge firefighters."
While there have been particular warnings issued for NSW, Victoria and South Australia, other states and territories are also expected to get an absolute battering from the sun.
Emergency services have warned that people should keep out of direct sunlight, avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, maybe raincheck that outdoor run or gym session, don't wear heavy clothing, make sure any medications you take don't get affected by sunlight or extreme heat.
Featured Image Credit: PA/FoxTopics: Weather, News, hot, Heat, Australia
