Australia endures hottest day on record as bushfires rage

Australia has had its hottest day on record with the average temperature hitting 40.9 degrees.

A temperature of 47.7 degrees centigrade was recorded in the outback in Queensland, making it one of the hottest places on earth.

Meanwhile hundreds of bushfires continue to rage in the country.

The acting Prime Minister has been forced to defend Prime Minister Scott Morrison who is believed to be on holiday abroad.