In Australia, temperatures reached a record high in Sydney yesterday as the city bore the brunt of a heatwave. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the temperature in Penrith, west of Sydney, recorded 47.3 degree Celsius, the highest in 79 years. <br/><br/>Severe fire warnings were issued in the greater Sydney area and fire bans were put in place across the city and other states. According to 9News Australia, there were 51 fires burning across the city yesterday. <br/><br/>Rural Fire Service spokesman James Morris has warned the public against becoming complacent about the risk of fires.