Australia endures hottest day in its history

Australia had its hottest average day in history Tuesday as the country battles devastating wildfires.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology tweeted that the average maximum temperature across the country Tuesday was 40.9 degrees Celsius, or roughly 105.6 degrees Fahrenheit. That figure passed the previous record, set in 2013, of 40.3 degrees Celsius, or 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preliminary results suggest that the 17th December was Australia’s hottest day on record at 40.9 ºC, with the average maximum across the country as a whole, exceeding the previous record of 40.3 ºC on the 7th January 2013. https://t.co/TKwWBuFPgJ pic.twitter.com/xOFpokoXos

— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) December 18, 2019

The record temperature came as bush fires burn across New South Wales and the country endures its worst drought in decades. A hundred active fires are still raging across the state, of which 54 are still not contained, according to the state’s Rural Fire Service.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said Tuesday that temperatures could spike even higher as the heat wave moves into Victoria and New South Whales throughout the week.

“We’re expecting large areas of inland South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales to experience temperatures in the mid to high 40s,” said Sarah Scully, one of the bureau’s meteorologists. 

“For many areas, severe to extreme heatwave conditions will be felt, so it’s important people follow the advice of health authorities, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Bureau and remember to check in on any vulnerable family and friends.” 

Australia’s bush fires, which have been burning for two months, have destroyed more than 760 homes and damaged nearly 300 more and have killed four people. 

Dangerous conditions have resulted in a significant loss of property. Danger is still present for many communities, with conditions set to deteriorate Thu & Sat. So far this season over 760 homes have been destroyed, & more than 12,900 buildings have been saved. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/oFZvvPmmK1

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 18, 2019

The blazes have sparked intense criticism of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is reportedly on vacation in Hawaii. 

The hashtag #WhereTheBloodyHellAreYou emerged online in response to Morrison’s absence, and cartoonists mocked the prime minister’s vacation. 

Scomo hulas while Australia burns. My cartoon in the Fin @FinancialReview this morning. pic.twitter.com/rHXxF34c9r

— Peter Nicholson (@NiCartoons) December 17, 2019

Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack defended Morrison, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, saying that he was on a pre-planned family trip.