Dangerous heat is roasting parts of Australia with temperatures that have not been seen in decades.
The temperature in Sydney hit an almost 80-year high of 47.3C (117 Fahrenheit) on Sunday – a sharp contrast to the bitter cold that has gripped much of the US.
The temperature was just shy of the city’s all-time high of 47.8C (118F), set in 1939.
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Sydney: Hot weather expected into next week. For Sunday, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a heatwave in Sydney. With parts of the West reaching temperatures of up to 45 degrees. https://t.co/wYwJBXZzrD @samanthabrett #Sydney #7News pic.twitter.com/BPSOFvtWwY
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) January 5, 2018
New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said the state’s heatwave plan had been activated to respond to “severe to extreme heat conditions”.
Thousands were left without power, and total fire bans were put in place as officials warned of severe danger.
Residents were urged to drink extra water and limit their time outdoors because of air pollution resulting from the hot weather.