A

nother surge of intense heat forecast across Australia could continue to break weather records, as people gear up for the second heat wave in less than two weeks.

Temperatures are expected to hit 47 degrees Celsius in Western Australia, while Adelaide’s forecast of 45 degrees for Thursday could topple its record of 46.1 degrees set in 1939. The danger of severe fires is expected across most states.

“From Thursday, temperatures will again climb sharply and, unfortunately for many areas in the east, peak temperatures will probably hit on Saturday and Sunday,” the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s acting manager of weather services for New South Wales, Jane Golding, said in a statement.

“We saw clearly from last week’s heat wave the impacts of these sorts of weather on peoples’ health. When you combine that with a weekend of major outdoor sporting events and the last long weekend for a while, there is a reason for some concern.”

The bureau said it is working closely with health and emergency services, lifesavers and event organizers to ensure the community is aware of the conditions.

Meteorologists say the recent conditions have already broken heat records in more than 10 places around Australia. This includes four of Australia’s 10 hottest-ever days on record with a blistering 49 degrees in Tarcoola and 48.5 degrees in Port Augusta.

Two Queensland towns have also recorded above 40 degrees for 38 consecutive days, with no end in sight.

Hospitalizations have also spiked and animal life is struggling to cope. More than 20 horses were found dead in a dry waterhole in Central Australia on Monday and bats are falling out of trees in South Australia — both caused by the extreme heat. — JP/Connor Foley