Temperatures climbed past 40°C in several towns this week, breaking records that had stood for more than thirty years. Forecasters expect the hot spell to last until the weekend before cooler air arrives from the coast.
Local councils have opened cooling centers in libraries and community halls, and health officials are asking people to drink plenty of water, stay out of the midday sun and check on elderly neighbors.
Farmers say the heat has arrived at a difficult time, just weeks before harvest, and are watering crops at night to save what they can.