AUSTRALIA – A devastating heatwave swept across southeast Australia on Tuesday, with temperatures hitting record highs and forcing emergency evacuations as bushfires raged out of control.
Temperatures reached 48.9C in the Victorian towns of Walpeup and Hopetoun, nudging past the state’s previous record of 48.8C, though officials said verification was needed to make it official. Hot air settled across swathes of Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales.
“Conditions are heating up across the state, and we’re seeing those 40 degree temperatures roll in,” said Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan. The extreme heat created dangerous fire conditions, with winds picking up and six major bushfires burning across Victoria.
The heatwave forced firefighters to tell people to flee an out-of-control bushfire in the Otways region southwest of Melbourne. Authorities issued immediate emergency evacuation warnings for hundreds of people in four country towns, while residents in three nearby rural areas were urged to leave. Officials warned that “due to extreme weather today, the fire is predicted to rapidly expand and pose a threat to communities.” A total fire ban was imposed statewide.
“Prolonged heat can affect anyone and when high heat continues for a number of days it can affect your health,” warned Victoria chief health officer Caroline McElnay. The elderly, children, and people with underlying health conditions faced the greatest risk from potentially fatal heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which could trigger heart attacks or strokes.
She urged people to stay cool and hydrated, watching for symptoms ranging from dizziness to cramps, rapid pulse, high body temperature, and eventual loss of consciousness.
The extreme conditions also severely disrupted the Australian Open in Melbourne, where temperatures were forecast to hit 45C. The tournament reached its maximum “heat stress” rating of five for the second time in four days, forcing officials to close the roof over the centre court.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled through 38C temperatures to defeat 18-year-old American Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 on Rod Laver Arena before organizers closed the roof. Alexander Zverev’s match against Learner Tien was played under the closed roof as outside temperatures peaked at 43C.
Play on outdoor courts was suspended, with junior matches put on hold. On Saturday, temperatures had already reached 40C, forcing a five-hour pause in matches on outside courts as the heat stress protocols took effect.
