It is sweltering hot in the USA. NBC News reported that heat warnings were issued on Wednesday for 51 million people in an area from eastern Missouri to Long Island. It is also sweltering hot in parts of Australia – where it is currently winter. Guardian reports that the country recorded its highest winter temperature ever recorded on Tuesday, reaching 41.6 degrees Celsius or 106.9 degrees Fahrenheit in Yampi Sound in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The previous record was 41.2 degrees Celsius (106.2 degrees Fahrenheit) reached in West Roebuck on August 23, 2020. This August is expected to be the hottest August in Australia on record.

And although it was a more pleasant 24 °C in Sydney, that is still far outside the norm. Meteorologist Angus Hines tells the Guardian, “Currently, Friday will be the warmest day of the week, with a forecast high of 29 degrees Celsius. At this time of year, usually in August, the average high temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius.” WashingtonPost Historic highs are also being recorded elsewhere. South Australia hit a winter record of 38.5°C (101.3°F) over the weekend and its highest winter overnight low of 23.8°C (74.8°F). (More heat reports.)