Australia faces record high temperatures, wildfire risks soar

Parts of Australia could see record high temperatures in the coming days as the second major heatwave in a month sweeps across three states, elevating wildfire risks and boosting electricity demand.

- 

Temperatures in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia climbed towards records in some areas on Jan 26, with the heat expected to worsen on Jan 27, said senior meteorologist Dean Narramore of the Bureau of Meteorology.

The mercury could rise to as high as 49 deg C in some regions, he said.