Wild weather, record heat across Australia

Australia has seen its fair share of wild weather in the lead-up to Christmas.

Damaging winds, large hailstones and flash flooding have wreaked havoc across Victoria. 

A super cell storm in late December delivered hail stones the size of golf balls, damaging winds and flash flooding.

In east Melbourne, a 40-metre section of footpath was washed away, while north of the city, a vintage car was crushed by fallen trees.

Meanwhile, Western Sydney has sweltered through extreme heat.

Tuesday was the hottest December day ever recorded in the city, with the mercury reaching 44degC.

A man in his 60s died on Wednesday, after collapsing on a golf course and paramedics have responded to more than 50 heat-related call-outs.

Thursday should bring some relief to the city, with a high of just 24degC expected.

Newshub.