Australian authorities have issued heatwave warnings for most of the country as millions celebrate Australia Day. Temperatures are expected to peak on Tuesday, reaching the 'high forties' Celsius in the southern states of Victoria and South Australia, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Recently recorded temperatures in South Australia hit as high as 48.5C, prompting warnings of fire dangers in several regions.
Due to safety concerns, some national day celebrations, including a planned parade and light show in Adelaide, have been canceled. Organizers emphasized that community safety must take priority during this extreme weather.
Heatwave warnings are not limited to Victoria and South Australia but extend to New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory. Many warnings are expected to remain in place until Wednesday.
Tim Wiebusch, Victoria's emergency management commissioner, remarked that this level of heatwave has not been seen in the state for nearly 20 years, recalling similar alarming conditions ahead of the bushfires in 2009.
The Bureau of Meteorology has noted 'extreme fire dangers' due to the dry weather combined with gusty winds. Firefighters are actively tackling blazes in Victoria that have necessitated evacuations and posed threats to properties.
The Australian Open has also felt the impact of the heat, with players experiencing heat-related issues during matches. Spectators have been urged to stay hydrated and seek shade in the unbearable sun.
In Western Australia, Tropical Cyclone Luana has caused damage over the weekend, underscoring the extreme weather conditions affecting the nation. To cope with the heat, people are advised to stay cool in various public spaces and close their home windows to keep the heat out.
Due to safety concerns, some national day celebrations, including a planned parade and light show in Adelaide, have been canceled. Organizers emphasized that community safety must take priority during this extreme weather.
Heatwave warnings are not limited to Victoria and South Australia but extend to New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory. Many warnings are expected to remain in place until Wednesday.
Tim Wiebusch, Victoria's emergency management commissioner, remarked that this level of heatwave has not been seen in the state for nearly 20 years, recalling similar alarming conditions ahead of the bushfires in 2009.
The Bureau of Meteorology has noted 'extreme fire dangers' due to the dry weather combined with gusty winds. Firefighters are actively tackling blazes in Victoria that have necessitated evacuations and posed threats to properties.
The Australian Open has also felt the impact of the heat, with players experiencing heat-related issues during matches. Spectators have been urged to stay hydrated and seek shade in the unbearable sun.
In Western Australia, Tropical Cyclone Luana has caused damage over the weekend, underscoring the extreme weather conditions affecting the nation. To cope with the heat, people are advised to stay cool in various public spaces and close their home windows to keep the heat out.
