After a few days of calm in the heat wave in central and eastern Australia, the wave hit record highs on Thursday with deadly consequences for wildlife.
Temperatures have exceeded 45 degrees Celsius in southern Australia, and temperatures are expected to rise also in Victoria and New South Wales amid national celebrations on Saturday.
The heat wave effect and current drought have been devastating to wildlife in central Australia.
About 40 wild horses were found near the remote Santa Teresa (81 km) southwest of Alice Springs on Wednesday.