If the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation is correct, Adelaide will be the hottest city in the world today with temperatures expected to reach 46C – hotter than the same time frame in Rio de Janeiro (40C) and Bangkok (32C).

Victoria, which has already experienced extreme temperatures this week, is on course to peak above 40C for four consecutive days, for the first time in 100 years, with temps expected to soar to 44C today, while Canberra will swelter through a predicted 40C.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Hobart will experience extreme fire conditions on Friday when the mercury is expected to hit 38C.

With another 6 weeks until the official end of summer in Australia, meteorologists are tipping many more heatwaves across the country before the season is over.