Heatwave warnings swept across significant portions of Australia on Sunday (Dec 24) as scorching temperatures prompted alerts from authorities. Reuters reported an elevated bushfire risk in numerous areas of Western Australia, with heatwave alerts extending to the Western, Northern Territory, and eastern Queensland regions. Forecasts indicated temperatures reaching approximately 45 degrees Celsius in certain zones.
According to data from the weather forecaster, Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, anticipated a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius on Sunday, exceeding the December average by more than five degrees.
Western Australia faced over 20 bushfire warnings, including an uncontrolled fire near Pemberton, a town with around 5,000 residents. The state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services, as cited by Reuters, stated that challenging weather conditions were expected, featuring hot, dry, and windy elements affecting a substantial portion of Western Australia, including Perth.
The statement highlighted the potential pressure on containment lines and an increased risk of fire activity over the next few days. The agency underscored a high fire danger for many Western Australia areas, reporting that over 1,000 firefighters had been combating blazes statewide during the preceding five days.
Reuters also noted that El Nino, a climate pattern characterized by unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures, contributed to scorching conditions in the eastern part of Australia this month. El Nino can trigger heatwaves, cyclones, droughts, and wildfires. Earlier in December, heatwave warnings impacted regions in every Australian state and territory, excluding Tasmania.
Post Your Comments