
Australia is battling through its 'most significant' heatwave for 80 years that has seen temperatures soar above 104F (40C) for six consecutive days across the country.

Roads melted, animals dropped dead and fires raged as temperature records tumbled across New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.

Hundreds of Australians have flocked to Bondi Beach in Sydney to cool off from the extreme summer temperatures.

The latest mind-boggling figure was reported in the town of Noona, in New South Wales, which reported an overnight minimum temperature of 96.6F (35.9C) on Thursday - a new record for the whole of Australia.

At least five of the country's ten warmest days on record have come in the last week, with Friday - the day the mercury peaked - yet to be counted.

The hottest day on record for the country came on January 7, 2013, when the national average maximum temperature was 104.5F (40.3C).

Three young women are pictured cooling off at Bondi Beach during the extreme hot weather, as Australia faces its 'most significant' heatwave for 80 years

Three women prepare to cool off in the water at Bondi Beach, after at least five of Australia's ten warmest days on record have come in the last week

A woman dives into the sea on Bondi Beach as Australians cool off amid temperatures topping 120F in a January heatwave

Beachgoers wait for a wave to come in at Bondi Beach as they cool off from the heatwave. The average maximum temperature in New South Wales is expected to exceed 104F

Lucky punters pulled on their swimmers and spent Friday cooling off in the water as temperatures soared to 33C in Sydney

Hundreds of people flocked to Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi Beach, to cool off during the January heatwave

Roads melted across Australia as temperatures soared into the 100s for the fifth consecutive day amid a record-breaking heatwave that has broken records

It remains to be seen whether the current heatwave will top that.

On Wednesday alone, New South Wales broke 14 all-time heat records and eight January records, including in the town of Griffith which suffered through 114F (46.4C) heat.

Menindee, in the far west of the state, was due to hit 113F (45C) on Friday having broken its all-time record with a temperature of 118F (47.8C) earlier in the week. It hasn't seen a daytime high below 113F since Monday.

Broken Hill airport, Whitecliff, Wilcannia, and Albury all saw their hottest days since records began on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Marble Bar, in Western Australia, recorded the highest temperature of the last seven days with a blistering 120F (49.1C) on Sunday, marking a January record. Tarcoola, in South Australia, also hit 119F (49C).

Simon Grainger, Bureau of Meteorology climatologist, told CNN: 'Based on the extent and duration, this is the most significant heatwave to have affected inland eastern Australia since January 1939.'

State governments and the Bureau of Meteorology have issued dozens of warnings, telling drivers to allow extra time for journeys as cars are more likely to break down in extreme condition.

The Fire Service in New South Wales said its crews were battling more than 60 fires with 13 fire bans in place across the state.

Three children in Sydney's southwest had to be treated for heat exhaustion and vomiting, while 16 people in South Australia were admitted to hospital after suffering the effects of heat.

Sydney train users are being warned there could be delays across the network as temperatures rise.

Animals have been dropping dead in the heat, including this elderly and emaciated kangaroo that was discovered in Belair, South Australia, before later dying of heat exhaustion

A firefighter battles flames during Australia's record-breaking heatwave as authorities said there are more than 60 blazes in New South Wales alone as temperatures soared above 104C for most of this week

Animals have been suffering through the record-high temperatures during what meteorologists branded the 'most significant' heatwave to hit the country for 80 years

The heat peaked on Friday (pictured, Friday temperature map with darker colours indicating higher heat). In the town of Noona, New South Wales, the overnight low was 96.6F - an Australia-wide record

Smoke from a bush fire rises over the outback in Western Australia as high temperatures have left vegetation tinder-dry, making blazes more likely

Tar began leaking out of the roads across some parts of inland Australia as the country struggled to cope in the heat

In Sydney, the city centre saw temperatures top 86F for five consecutive days, the first time that has happened in eight years

Partial relief is expected across much of New South Wales and Southern Australia going into next week, with temperatures dipping almost 50F (10C) from their highs this week.

However, inland areas will still remain scorching hot with the potential for more heat before the summer ends.

Sydney looks to be in for a few cooler days than it has suffered through this past week, with temperatures expected to dip below 86F (30C) over the weekend.

There will be a northeasterly wind blowing through Sydney overnight on Friday with a weak southerly change, Weatherzone forecaster Craig McIntosh said.

Gusty winds will plague the coastline on Saturday, meaning it might not be the best day for sun-seekers to head for the sand. There is also a moderate chance of a brief shower on Saturday afternoon.

However, Sunday is looking like the perfect time to pull out the sunscreen and head seaside with temperatures sitting in the low 80F (20C) range, Mr McIntosh said.

A dog cools off in a park in Sydney amid a country-wide heatwave that is set to last throughout the weekend

There will be a northeasterly wind blowing through Sydney overnight on Friday with a weak southerly change, Weatherzone forecaster Craig McIntosh said

The weekend is also bringing some relief from the heat for tennis fans in Melbourne with cooling winds headed towards the city.

Again, Sunday is looking like the better day for outdoor activities as temperatures are expected to sit comfortably around 77F (25C).

Canberra is taking a break from its extremely hot days as temperatures drop slightly from its 100F (40C) heat.

Saturday should see temperatures cool to around 93F (34C) - the coldest day the city will see in the coming week, Mr McIntosh said.

Brisbane can expect a hot and humid weekend with temperatures sitting around 93F.

Adelaide has a sunny but partly cloudly weekend ahead with some southeasterly winds moving in on Saturday.

There is a chance of a thunderstorm battering Hobart on Friday night but that should clear by Saturday.

Perth is expected to remain scorching with temperatures around the high 90F (30C) range. Darwin has a moderate chance of showers on both Saturday and Sunday.