Australia experiences hottest month in its history

Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere,

Australia recorded its hottest month ever in January, with average temperatures exceeding 30C (86F) for the first time. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the extreme heat was "unprecedented" during the country's summer period. At least five January days were among the 10 warmest on record, with daily national temperature highs of 40C.

Heatstroke and bushfires everywhere. Nightmarish scenes of wild horses dying of thirst by the dozens. It's almost as if something's just not the same as it used to be.