Australia Day events cancelled as heatwave hits the region

Australia Day events have been cancelled after a blistering heatwave is expected to hit at the long weekend.

A number of Adelaide councils have rescheduled or dumped their planned Australia Day celebrations as the city is hit with severe temperatures. 

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the South Australian capital will swelter through 38C on Friday followed by 42C on Saturday and Sunday. 

A number of Adelaide councils have rescheduled or dumped their planned Australia Day celebrations as the city is hit with severe temperatures (stock image)

At least seven region Australia Day celebrations were cancelled while at least two have been rescheduled.

Some council activities are going ahead as planned while others have been moved indoors to cooler locations, according to Adelaide Now.

Other concerts and events across Adelaide on Australia Day are also expected to be affected by the heatwave. 

Adelaide will be the hottest capital city in the country on Australia Day as the rest of the country is expected to enjoy more comfortable weather conditions.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Sydney and Melbourne are expected to reach 29C while Brisbane will hit 31C, Perth 30C, Hobart 27C, Canberra 34C and Darwin 29C. 

The dumping of national celebrations comes as many councils in Melbourne scrapped activities months ago in a bid to respect Aboriginals. 

Melbourne councils including City of Darebin, City of Yarra and City of Moreland controversially decided to cancel the traditional Australia Day celebrations. 

The date continues to divide opinions in parliament, with some members calling for January 26 celebrations to be moved to an alternative date.       

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the South Australian capital will swelter through 38C on Friday followed by 42C on Saturday and Sunday (stock image)

Other concerts and events across Adelaide on Australia Day are also expected to be affected by the heatwave (stock image)