A total fire ban have been imposed due to Australia’s soaring temperature.  Weatherzone forecasts that Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney could all reach 33C or higher today, in the most widespread heat to affect the nation this early in the season in 51 years.

The pool of heat first hit Perth at the weekend and is now spreading across southern Australia towards the east coast, Weatherzone said.

In Adelaide, temperatures soared to 28C by 9am yesterday, after climbing by 11 degrees in three hours, Weatherzone said. The city is expected to swelter in the mid-thirties today.

Melbourne is expected to continue to sweat in low-to-mid-thirties temperatures today, and remain above 20C tonight – which could be the city’s warmest night since last summer.

Canberra is also expected to experience temperatures in the low-thirties today, with a similar warm night. If the mercury stays about 20C tonight, it will be the city’s warmest December minimum in a decade.

With use of air conditioning expected to soar, energy providers have reassured customers they are prepared for the demand.