Severe heatwave hits southern Australian states with firefighters warning many areas ‘ready to burn’ | Australia news
Extreme fire conditions are expected across much of South Australia and Victoria today as a dangerous heatwave moves eastwards, with temperatures soaring into the 40s.
By mid-morning on Wednesday the mercury had already reached 35C in Melbourne and 38C in Adelaide.
Severe and extremely intense heatwaves are extending from the northwest to the southeast of the country, developing in Western Australia and advancing into South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Tasmania.
Temperatures were expected to drop into the mid-40s in many areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
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Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said Adelaide and Melbourne were expecting “sweltering conditions” to reach 42°C on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching as high as 44°C in Elizabeth, north of Adelaide.
The hottest part of the day was expected to occur in the early afternoon (around 14:00 or 15:00), with temperatures hovering near their maximums towards the evening.
“This isn’t just a normal summer heat blast,” Bradbury said. “These are truly dangerous conditions.”
Murray Bridge in SA’s Murraylands was heading for 46C on Wednesday. Port Augusta, about 300km north of Adelaide, could hit 45C, followed by 47C on Thursday.
Northerly winds from south-eastern Australia will create dangerous fire conditions, particularly for SA and Victoria.
“For South Australia today, almost the entire state is in extreme fire danger ratings, except for the pastoral areas in the north,” Bradbury said.
The additional threat of isolated, dry storms “clearly rings warning bells” for emergency services, Bradbury said.
Commander Ann Buesnel of SA’s Country Fire Service told the ABC the landscape was “really dry”.
“There hasn’t been any significant rain. Everything is actually ready to burn.”
“Our teams are ready, our volunteers are ready. We brought additional planes to protect the state. We did our best, and now we expect the society to do its part.”
People were urged to have bushfire plans in place, stay informed and avoid taking risks.
In Victoria, extreme fire danger is forecast for western and central regions on Wednesday, with extreme temperatures seen in most areas on Friday. On Wednesday, a complete fire ban was introduced for the Wimmera, south-west and midlands, including Melbourne and Geelong.
Jason Heffernan, chief officer of the state’s Country Fire Authority, said hot, dry conditions over the next three days would be extremely challenging for firefighters and those living and traveling in high-risk areas, and people should be prepared to leave and mobilize early.
The conditions “will make it difficult for firefighters to extinguish a blaze, and given that the land has dried out significantly in recent weeks, high fuel loads pose a serious grass fire risk”.
“We ask people to comply with the strict requirements for a total fire ban declaration, consider postponing harvesting and cropping activities, and ensure your bushfire plan is ready to implement.”
Sydney (estimated maximum 31C) and Canberra (max 35C) were expected to get even warmer from Thursday. Temperatures in Hobart were forecast to be well above average (up to 28C).
Warm daytime temperatures and very hot nights will provide little relief in the coming days, Bradbury said.
“These are truly dangerous conditions that can affect not only those who are vulnerable to the heat, such as the sick or elderly, but also those who are young and healthy due to such persistent, intense heat.”
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners advised people in affected areas to “stay hydrated and stay indoors if possible”.
Its chairman, Dr Michael Wright, warned against complacency in high temperatures.
“My advice to all Australians is to drink plenty of water, try to stay indoors if possible between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are at their highest…check on friends and family members who are more vulnerable to the effects of heatwaves, including the elderly.”
