Australia battles extreme heatwave as catastrophic fire danger grips multiple states

CANBERRA: Australia is facing one of its most dangerous heat events in years as soaring temperatures and strong winds have pushed fire danger ratings to their highest levels in several states, prompting urgent warnings and widespread emergency measures.

Severe to extreme heatwave conditions have engulfed large parts of the country, with Victoria and South Australia at the centre of the crisis. Fire authorities in Victoria imposed a statewide total fire ban after conditions were upgraded to “catastrophic,” the most serious level on Australia’s fire danger scale. As a precaution, hundreds of schools and childcare centres were closed.

Firefighters continued battling multiple blazes across Victoria and New South Wales, including a fast-moving fire near Longwood in northern Victoria that has burned tens of thousands of hectares and destroyed homes and community buildings. Emergency officials said fire behaviour remained erratic and highly dangerous, warning that further property loss and serious risk to life could not be ruled out.

Weather experts said the heat pattern was particularly alarming due to its intensity and duration. Strong winds, extremely dry conditions and the risk of dry lightning have combined to create what meteorologists described as the most severe inland fire threat since the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

Major cities have also been affected, with Melbourne recording its hottest day in years earlier this week. Parts of inland Victoria and South Australia are forecast to approach or exceed temperatures in the mid-40s Celsius, while Western Australia has also seen extreme heat, with some coastal areas nearing 50°C.

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In New South Wales, the heatwave is expected to peak over the weekend, with Sydney forecast to face temperatures as high as 42°C on Saturday. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and remain alert to rapidly changing fire conditions, particularly in bushland areas on the city’s outskirts. A sharp drop in temperatures is forecast for Sunday, offering brief relief.

Emergency services warned that under catastrophic fire conditions, blazes can become uncontrollable within minutes. Residents in high-risk areas were advised to activate bushfire survival plans early and leave well before conditions worsen.

Officials said the combination of extreme heat and volatile weather will keep much of Australia on edge in the coming days as firefighters continue round-the-clock efforts to contain existing fires and prevent new outbreaks.