HEATWAVE HELL: Australia Braces for Worst Conditions Since Black Summer Bushfires as Temperatures Soar to 45C
- Extreme heatwave warnings issued for Victoria, SA, and southern NSW as temperatures set to climb into mid-40s
- Residents urged to adhere to total fire bans and prepare for worst-case scenarios as firefighters warn of increased risk of farm fires
- V/Line trains to run on alternative timetables as steel tracks expand in the heat, causing journey times to be extended
Australia is bracing for its worst heatwave since the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20, with temperatures expected to soar to a scorching 45C in some areas. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued extreme heatwave warnings for Victoria, South Australia, and southern New South Wales, with conditions set to worsen as winds drag heat through the region.
Senior meteorologist Simon Timke warned that overnight conditions between Wednesday and Friday would also be “pretty hot”, with little relief expected until Saturday. “Fairly widespread areas will be in an extreme and severe heatwave later in the week, into South Australia and New South Wales,” he said.
The Country Fire Authority has already issued a total fire ban for Victoria’s northern country, with CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan calling on residents to be prepared. “We’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the total fire ban declaration,” he said. “Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”
Firefighters are also worried about an increased risk of farm fires due to a late harvest, with CFA North West Region Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Weston warning that grassfire risk is high, particularly in areas where grasslands border residential developments. “Over the last couple of weeks we’ve seen a drying of fuels across the whole state,” he said. “We do see vast grasslands adjoining right up to new residential areas, so that urban-rural interface is our greatest concern. It’s what keeps me awake at night.”
As the heatwave intensifies, V/Line trains will run on alternative timetables, with journey times expected to be extended due to the heat. “Trains that usually travel at up to 160km/h need to slow down to 90km/h or less because steel tracks expand in the heat,” a V/Line spokesperson said.