Whilst the UK is being hit by snow and very cold temperatures (the school weather system reached -5 degrees at times this week!), the other side of the world is experiencing some of its hottest.
Record temperatures of 45.8 degrees have been recorded in Sydney, Australia today. (A difference of 57.7 degrees compared to our coldest temperature so far this January!!!).
These heatwaves are major hazards with social, economic and environmental impacts. Heat exposure and fainting are common health effects, with 220 being admitted to hospital so far. Steel wires have buckled causing train disruptions - 250 people were trapped on a train when one steel wire fell onto it. Many fires have added to the already raging bushfires - with cooler air heading in more thunderstorms are likely which could increase the number of fires. Water has become expensive as it is such demand - up to AUS$4.50 a bottle.
As for ice lollies? Well you only have about 7 minutes to eat one in such heat before it has melted!
Some useful sources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21072347
http://www.smh.com.au/data-point/city-sizzles-in-record-heat-20130118-2cyrj.html
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