Heatwave weather warning: Multiple states on high alert as temperatures soar above 40C
Millions of Australians are bracing for blistering heat as multiple states issue severe heatwave warnings.
Temperatures are forecast to soar into the low 40s across parts of Sydney and NSW, while central and western Queensland and regions in Western Australia’s North West will also swelter under extreme conditions.
The greatest concern lies in NSW’s coastal and inland areas, where strong winds could rapidly fan existing fires.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Many areas are experiencing extreme fire dangers today,” Bureau of Meteorology’s Senior Meteorologist Dean Narramore told Weekend Sunrise.
“Temperatures in the 40s, strong and gusty winds, dry air and there’s a number of fires already going. A dangerous day is shaping up for this afternoon and this evening.”
A total fire ban is in place across Sydney and many parts of central NSW as forecast thunderstorms risk sparking more fires.
As of 9am on Saturday, 57 fires were burning across NSW with nine yet to be contained.
“Firefighters and incident management personnel are continuing their work to strengthen containment lines around these fires,” NSW RFS said in a statement shared on X.
More than a dozen homes and shacks, outbuildings and cars were damaged and two firefighters were injured fighting an out-of-control fire at Dolphin Sands on Tasmania’s east coast on Friday.
Crews in Tasmania are continuing to investigate its cause as they deploy air and ground tankers to contain the fire, which has burnt more than 700 hectares.
While the fire is at watch and act level, Tasmania Fire Service has urged people not to return.
“Emergency services and contractors are currently going through areas of the fireground to make it safe and assess the damage that has been caused,” Commissioner Jeremy Smith said.
Temperatures are expected to ease from Sunday for most of NSW and southern Australia.
But the heat is expected to build across northern Australia and WA, returning to much of the country early next week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
“We’re in that cycle now with heat just continuing to move across the country,” Mr Narramore said.
Victorians faced milder temperatures as a cold front and thunderstorms wash over after hot, dry, windy weather on Friday.
Firefighters were working to contain a bushfire in Markwood, 280km northeast of Melbourne, which has affected at least three properties.
- With AAP
