Adelaide's record-breaking heatwave has left the city's streets deserted, as South Australians stay away from the CBD in droves during the sweltering conditions.
The state capital recorded its highest-ever temperature of 46.6C on Thursday, breaking a record that had stood for almost a century.
Streets were almost completely empty as people sought the relief of air-conditioned buildings or relaxing at the beach rather than exposing themselves to the sweltering heat.
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Adelaide's record-breaking heatwave has left the city's streets deserted, as South Australians stay away from the CBD in droves during the sweltering conditions
The state capital recorded its highest-ever temperature of 46.6C on Thursday, breaking a record that had stood for almost a century. (Pictured: Rundle Mall)
Streets were empty as people sought the relief of air-conditioned buildings or relaxing at the beach rather than exposing themselves to the sweltering conditions. Pictured: Rundle Mall
West Terrace in the city centre broke the record high of 46.1C recorded in 1939.
Temperatures in South Australia a sweltering 22C higher than average in some parts of the state. Port Augusta was the hottest town with the mercury hitting 49.5C. Yesterday was the fourth-hottest day ever in South Australia.
Some Adelaide residents noticed there were fewer people making their way towards the city on Thursday.
'I could see why there's less people in the train going to work. It's unfair to work on a 43-45 degree weather in Adelaide,' one person tweeted.
While a much-needed cool change had swept through Adelaide, resulting in milder temperatures on Friday, the heatwave made its way across Australia and was set to bake Victoria and New South Wales.
Melbourne's forecast high temperature for Friday was 44C; the hottest since the devastating Black Saturday bushfires of 2009.
Temperatures in South Australia were as much as 22C higher than average in some parts of the state
Adelaide sweltered through a record-high temperature on Thursday during a scorching heatwave
The heat has strained Victoria's energy supplies, leaving about 8000 people without power.
Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said people should monitor their non-essential use of electricity.
Dishwashers, kitchen appliances, washing machines and pool pumps should all be turned off, she said.
A state-wide fire ban remained in place for Victoria on Friday.
People have been advised to limit their electricity use as the heat puts a strain on power
