Australia's southeastern states sweltered on Wednesday (January 15) as temperatures reached 45.1 degrees Celsius (113.18 Fahrenheit) in Adelaide and 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in Melbourne.

The hot temperatures fuelled a bushfire at Rockleigh, 100 kilometres from Adelaide destroying one home and injuring one person.

Local media reported that more than 70 people suffering from heat stroke have been admitted to hospital across the state of South Australia.

Last year was Australia's hottest year on record, prompting a renewed focus on climate change policy.