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Australia's Heatwave Shatters Records Amidst Raging Bushfires
28 Jan
Summary
- Victoria recorded its highest temperature ever at 48.9C.
- Major bushfires continue to burn out of control in Victoria.
- Heatwave expected to persist, setting new temperature records.
Victoria experienced its hottest-ever day on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching a record 48.9C in the Mallee region. This extreme heat has intensified major bushfires that continue to burn out of control in the state. The town of Gellibrand faces a critical water shortage as its treatment plant suffered damage from the ongoing Carlisle River fire.
Elsewhere, parts of New South Wales and south-western Queensland are bracing for potentially record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday. Wilcannia in NSW is expected to reach 48C, while Thargomindah in Queensland could see temperatures soar to 49C, nearing its all-time record. These conditions are part of a persistent heatwave across southeastern Australia.
Meteorologists note a shift in the heat's focal points, with western NSW, southern and western Queensland, and parts of northeastern Victoria expected to experience the most extreme conditions on Wednesday. This extreme weather is occurring during Australia's second major January heatwave, with analysts linking such events to global heating and predicting hotter conditions to continue until April.
