Authorities on alert as heatwave brings major fire risk
Australians are urged to heed fire warnings as temperatures rise across multiple states and forecast conditions not seen since the Black Summer bushfires.
The Bureau of Meteorology has said South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and NSW are set to be sweltered by sweltering temperatures by the end of the week as a heatwave sweeps across the south-eastern states.
Conditions are predicted to be the worst since the summer 2019-20 bushfires, which killed more than 30 people and burned millions of hectares.
“This will cause significant heat, with severe heatwaves occurring across southern and southeastern states,” meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said.
SA and Victoria will be the first to experience muggy conditions on Wednesday.
Temperatures across SA will fall into the mid-40s, with Adelaide set for a maximum of 42C and some parts of the interior and south-east pushing 47C.
“This isn’t just a normal summer heat blast,” Ms Bradbury said.
“These are extremely dangerous conditions that can affect even the young and fit, as well as those more vulnerable to the heat.”
The South Australian government has activated additional support for vulnerable and isolated residents, including the homeless, during the heatwave.
As severe heatwaves form and spread across the state, Victorians will steamroll in temperatures into the mid-40s; Melbourne will reach 42°C and the northern interior reaches 46°C.
A total fire ban has been imposed in the Wimmera, South West and Central regions, including Melbourne and Geelong, for the first time this summer.
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch is warning of extreme heatwave conditions “not seen since 2019/20”.
He said the risk of serious fires breaking out following the underlying dry conditions was very high.
Country Fire Authority chief executive Jason Heffernan warned many parts of the state were not immune to fire conditions over the next 72 hours after good rainfall led to prolific grass growth, boosting soil fuel supply.
“Fire seasons start earlier. They last longer and we see larger fire events occur during this period,” he said.
It will also be a hot day for Tasmania, where low to severe heatwaves will increase in the state’s north-east.
The heat is expected to affect the ACT and NSW towards the end of the week; The capital is expected to reach 42C on Friday, while Sydney is expected to hit 39C on Saturday in the final heatwave day.
People are urged to check on the vulnerable young and old and those who are unwell, never leave children or pets alone in the car, stay cool, drink plenty of water and shelter in cool places during the hottest parts of the day.
Australia will experience its fourth hottest year in history in 2025, while 2024 will be the country’s second hottest year.
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