Heatwave warnings were issued in large parts of Australia on Sunday (Dec 24) amid scorching temperatures. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, authorities warned of a high bushfire risk in many parts of the Western Australia state.

Heatwave warnings issued in Australia, authorities warn of bushfire risk

A spring heat wave is gripping large parts of Australia's southeast, including Sydney, and as per predictions, is only expected to intensify. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology, as per Reuters, has predicted that on Monday temperatures may rise by up to 16 degrees Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) above the September average.

Australia faces 'uncommon' heatwave, temperatures predicted to rise 16 degrees above normal

Reeling from deadly bushfires and heatwaves, Australia recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday at a high of 40.9C (105.6F). In its release on Tuesday, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that temperatures in South Australia will begin to rise and "will continue to build in the coming days, pushing east into Victoria and New South Wales over the course of the week".

As Australia records hottest day, Southern town expected to near 50 degrees 

Australia continued a string of "hottest ever" months in March, the government said Monday, as global warming emerges as the hot button issue in national elections just weeks away.

Australia sees record temperatures for fourth month in a row