While Canada freezes Australia swelters

The mercury has dropped to -42C (-44F) in Canada while in Australia it has hit 54C (129F) as extreme weather is experienced in different parts of the world.

The north-eastern US has been hit by a major winter storm, with 53cm (21 inches) of snowfall recorded in one town in Massachusetts.

Meanwhile bushfires have been burning in North Stradbroke Island, Australia and temperatures of +54C have been recorded in the town of Oodnadatta.