Australia's interior is enduring a scorching start to summer, as temperatures run up to five degrees above the December average. The Red Centre's summers are typically uncomfortable enough for the average person, with maximum temperatures averaging in the mid-to-high 30s. However, the first half of December has been hot, even for this region's standards. At Yulara (Uluru), daytime temperatures have averaged 41 degrees so far for the month, five degrees above the long term average. At Alice Springs, average maximum temperatures have only been just shy of 40 degrees so far, around four degrees above the long-term average. There has been little reprieve at night either, with it only dipping to the low-to-mid 20s. Over the next four days, the fiery start to summer will continue as daytime temperatures peak in the low-to-mid 40s and nights in the low-to-mid 20s. Added humidity from Tuesday will make it feel even worse, as much as 2-3 degrees hotter than the mercury suggests. Thankfully, the added humidity will mean thunderstorms become a risk each afternoon, bringing some relief. By the end of the week, increased cloud cover will cause temperatures to drop a little, but days will still peak in the high 30s.