Sydney: Southeastern Australia is enduring an intense heatwave that has raised bushfire risks across the region, prompting authorities to impose fire bans in several districts of Victoria state.
Firefighters remain on high alert as the nation faces a heightened bushfire season. Just last week, a significant blaze tore through Victoria’s Grampians National Park, destroying homes and farmland.
Rising Temperatures and Fire Danger
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecasted temperatures of up to 45°C (113°F) in parts of Victoria, Australia’s second-most populous state. In Melbourne, the state capital, temperatures are expected to reach 38°C (100°F).
In the town of Mildura, located in northwest Victoria, temperatures were predicted to hit 42°C (107°F). By mid-morning, the town had already recorded 32.9°C (91°F), exceeding its average January maximum temperature.
Miriam Bradbury, a meteorologist with the BOM, noted the heightened risk: “What that means for the fire dangers is we are seeing a spike across more districts,” she told ABC Television.
Authorities issued total fire bans for three Victorian districts on Sunday, classifying the fire danger as “extreme”, the second-highest rating.
Broader Heatwave Warnings
The heatwave has extended beyond Victoria, with Western Australia, New South Wales, and Tasmania also under heatwave warnings, according to the weather bureau.
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Bradbury added that a cool wind change is expected to reach southeastern Australia on Sunday night, potentially offering some respite from the scorching conditions.
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Bushfire Risks Loom
Australia has experienced relatively mild fire seasons since the devastating 2019-2020 “Black Summer” wildfires, which scorched an area equivalent to the size of Turkey, claimed 33 lives, and caused the deaths of billions of animals. However, this season’s early fires serve as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by Australia’s climate.
