A severe heatwave is sweeping across south-east Australia, prompting extreme fire warnings, while Western Australia braces for a tropical cyclone. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued catastrophic and extreme fire warnings for parts of South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, with temperatures expected to reach the low to mid-40s in some areas over the next seven to eight days.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
1. Heatwave and Fire Warnings: The BOM has issued extreme heatwave warnings for five states and territories, with catastrophic fire danger forecast for southern South Australia and western Victoria. Temperatures are expected to peak in the high 40s in parts of New South Wales and northern Victoria.
2. Tropical Cyclone Warning: A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for Western Australia, adding to the extreme weather conditions across the country.
Deeper Dive & Context
Heatwave Forecast and Impact
Bureau forecaster Jonathan How stated that the heatwave will affect South Australia, Victoria, southern Queensland, and New South Wales, with little relief expected until the middle of next week. Fire danger is forecast to reach extreme levels in southern South Australia, and western and south-west Victoria, with catastrophic conditions predicted for the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia.
Climate change has been linked to the increased frequency of such heatwaves. A study by World Weather Attribution found that what was once a rare event is now happening far more often.
Live Temperature Tracking
MetraWeather data is being used to track current temperatures across key locations as the heatwave moves through the states and territories. The heatwave is forecast to shift across the continent over the coming days, affecting much of the country.
Safety Advisories
Officials have urged residents and visitors to stay informed through the latest updates from the Country Fire Service (CFS) in South Australia and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria. The message for those heading out to the bush or hiking is to keep across the latest fire warnings and conditions.