Evaporation levels across Australia are at a record high right now, increasing the struggles of drought-stricken farmers, as well as pushing up the bushfire risk.

Lack of rainfall has taken centre stage lately, but high winds, sunny days and low humidity have contributed to extra dryness, according to the bureau of meteorology.

Nationwide, last month’s evaporation total averaged over 145mm, well above the typical 128mm for July.