Australia is currently grappling with a severe heatwave, as large areas of the country experience soaring temperatures and heightened bushfire dangers. Authorities have issued heat wave alerts across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, and Western Australia, predicting temperatures that could surpass 40°C in some regions.
The heatwave is attributed to an ongoing El Niño weather pattern, which brings unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures and is linked to extreme weather events worldwide, including cyclones, droughts, and wildfires.
In New South Wales, particularly in the western part of Sydney, temperatures are expected to reach 39°C—nearly 10 degrees above the February average. These hot and dry conditions, combined with gusty winds, have led forecasters to issue \"extreme fire danger\" warnings for parts of Victoria and South Australia.
The current fire season is already under significant strain, and the added threat of extreme heat exacerbates the risk of wildfires spreading rapidly. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of these harsh weather conditions.
Reference(s):
Australia sweats through heat wave, bushfire risk rated 'extreme'
cgtn.com
