Extreme heatwave gripping Australia

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You know it's hot when bats are reportedly collapsing from the heat, and that's just what's happening in the Australian city of Adelaide.

Bats are collapsing due to a heatwave in Australia. /AP Photo

In fact, much of Australia is sweltering through an extreme heatwave. Several states have already experienced record temperatures and meteorologists say the worst is yet to come.

Australia swelters through a heatwave. /Reuters Photo

On Tuesday, the world's top ten hottest sites were all in Australia, with one South Australian town reaching just above 49 degrees.

Other parts of rural New South Wales hit 46 degrees with hotter conditions expected within the next few days. Meteorologists say a stalled low-pressure system is to blame from blocking cooler air.

Elephants at a zoo in Dubbo try to stay cool. /Reuters Photo

Fruit in some areas is reportedly baking on trees. Water parks and beaches have been busy offering people a brief break from the extreme heat.

A total fire ban has been issued across parts of three states because of the hot, dry conditions, and an air quality warning has been issued for Sydney.

Thousands flock to Sydney's beaches to escape sticky heat. /Reuters Photo

Meteorologists expect many areas to receive a brief break over the weekend, before heating up again next week.