Southeast Australia sizzles in heatwave

Spectators cool off with popsicles in front of a misting fan at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan 15, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

SYDNEY - South-eastern Australians are continuing to swelter under extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to top 40 degrees Celsius, local media reported Wednesday.

At 1:50 pm (local time) on Wednesday, the temperature in Melbourne was just above 40 degrees Celsius, with Charlton recording a scorching 42.9 degrees, according to the Australian Associated Press (AAP).

A total fire ban is in place for the State of Victoria, and a heat alert has been issued by the government, urging people to stay hydrated and monitor the elderly.

Many residents in New South Wales (NSW) are tipped to cop temperatures in the 40s on Wednesday, while Tasmanians have been told to prepare for unseasonably warm weather.

Sydney was spared super-hot weather Wednesday with the temperature staying under 30 degrees due to a coastal sea breeze.

The temperature in Sydney's central business district was at around 28 degrees Wednesday afternoon, but it was much hotter in Sydney's west.

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, recorded 42.4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures tipped to exceed 40 degrees for the next five days.

South Australia's State Emergency Service (SES) has issued an extreme heat warning to the public.

The temperatures in Tasmania's northern and southern regions were at the 30s on Wednesday, well above average for summer.