What are the current temperature records in southeastern Australia?

Temperatures have reached close to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), with Victoria recording its hottest day on record this week, exceeding 48.9 C (120 F) in several towns.

How are wildfires impacting communities in Victoria?

Wildfires fueled by extreme heat are raging through rural Victoria, prompting evacuations, property protection, and damaging essential services like water treatment plants.

What is the link between climate change and Australian heatwaves?

Climate experts state that the human-caused climate crisis is making these heatwaves more severe and prolonged, with studies indicating such events are now five times more likely.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Australia Reels: 50°C Heat Sparks Wildfires

Australia Reels: 50°C Heat Sparks Wildfires

30 Jan

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Summary

Temperatures neared 50°C, causing severe heatwave conditions.
Wildfires raged through rural Victoria, prompting evacuations.
A koala was rescued from flames in the town of Gellibrand.

Australia Reels: 50°C Heat Sparks Wildfires

Vast areas of southeastern Australia are currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring close to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). This extreme weather event, the most intense in 16 years, has ignited dangerous wildfires in rural Victoria, leading to property protection efforts and evacuations in affected towns.

In the rural town of Gellibrand, residents like Karlee Smith aided in battling fast-moving grass fires. During these efforts, a koala was discovered and rescued from the scorched bushland. Victoria recorded its hottest day on record this week, with several towns exceeding 48.9 C (120 F), while Melbourne passed 45 C (113 F). Neighboring states have also seen record-breaking temperatures, nearing Australia's all-time high.

Climate experts emphasize that the human-caused climate crisis is exacerbating such heatwaves, making them more severe and prolonged. The intense heat has put a strain on the power grid, causing outages for over 100,000 homes, and impacting essential services like water treatment plants. Health authorities are urging the public to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable individuals, as heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.