Australia's Country-Wide Heatwave Continues as Cities Hit Record-Breaking Temperatures

After the country clocked up its third-warmest year on record in 2018, the heat has continued well into 2019, with the mercury hitting high-40s across the country and some towns reaching record-breaking temperatures.

The spicy weather is thanks to a mass of hot air hanging around Australia's Red Centre, which is looking particularly scarlet at the moment:

As the mass of hot air has moved east, northern SA has copped the brunt of the heat, with Port Augusta hitting a top temperature of 48.9C — the highest ever recorded in the South Australian mid-north, according to the Guardian — and Adelaide is experiencing a solid few days in the 40s.

In Sydney, which is currently experiencing its worst period of heat since 2011, NSW Health officials have issued a warning for high levels of ozone gas across the city's west, due to a combination of heat and sunlight, which can cause chest pain, coughing and airway inflammation. Authorities are suggesting western Sydneysiders stay indoors during the hottest times of day and in the evening, avoid physical activity and stay well hydrated.

Sydney is expected to remain in the mid-to-high 30s until Sunday, which will hit an estimated max of 25 with 50 percent chance of showers.

Melbourne's north has also copped a substantial chunk of heat, with most of the region sitting in the high-40s. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting some cities will hit, and get close to, record-breaking temperatures today. In the city, it's a bit cooler, with the metropolitan area sitting in the high-20s and low-30s until Saturday, when it will drop to an estimated 22 with 80 percent chance of showers.

Brisbane's city has avoided the majority of the heatwave, sitting fairly consistently in the low-to-mid 30s. Some parts of Queensland's southwest will cop a scorching, however, as the mass of hot air moves further east, with many towns in the region expected to sit in the mid-40s for the next few days.

Wherever you're spending this week, air-conditioning is your friend. If you don't have air-con, check out our ten sustainable hacks for staying cool over here.

Image: Bondi Beach by Paros Huckstepp.