Australia bakes in extreme heatwave

SOUTH Australia baked under heatwave conditions for a third day yesterday, again causing disruptions to transport and power in two states and leaving medical services struggling to cope with heat-related illnesses.

Extreme temperatures above 40C have hit Victoria and South Australia states. Weather officials say if the high temperatures continue until tomorrow it will equal the worst heatwave in 100 years.

In Melbourne, more than 50 trains were cancelled due to the heat, as crews repaired buckled rail lines. In Adelaide, officials said transport services would run but added soaring temperatures could again cause disruptions.