Southern Australia is roasting as temperatures climb as high as 117 degrees Fahrenheit, and cool reprieve isn't expected until the end of this week. Average temperatures in the summer in this region of Australia reach 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Firefighters are on hand as a severe fire danger rating is in effect for seven of the region's 15 districts. In Melbourne, tennis fans are baking as the Australian Open wraps its second day. A dwindling group of spectators braving the heat are sporting light clothing as armor against the sun while players are retreating to bags of ice between matches.
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