Welcome to 2014. Australia’s scary heatwave starts the New Year.
Australia’s new year has brought in sweltering conditions, with temperatures near 50°C in regional South Australia, and a heatwave predicted for Queensland.
According to the weather bureau, the mercury at Tarcoola in central South Australia hit 48.9°C (120°F) on Wednesday afternoon, while Oodnadatta reached 47.7C and Coober Pedy posted 47.4C.
The fire danger rating in South Australia reached catastrophic level, with gale force winds from former Tropical Cyclone Christine creating challenging conditions.
More here.