{"id":10677,"date":"2026-01-09T02:05:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T02:05:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=10677"},"modified":"2026-01-09T02:05:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T02:05:09","slug":"heatwave-engulfs-australias-south-east-bringing-catastrophic-fire-conditions-not-seen-since-black-summer-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=10677","title":{"rendered":"Heatwave engulfs Australia\u2019s south-east bringing catastrophic fire conditions not seen since black summer | Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dire bushfire conditions threatened south-eastern states on Friday as unrelenting heat bore down on large parts of Australia and Victorians prepared for catastrophic conditions not seen since 2019-20.<\/p>\n

Melbourne\u2019s maximum temperature was forecast to reach 43C on Friday, and up to 45C in some suburbs. The city was 38.7C at midday and reached 40C by 1pm.<\/p>\n

Anthony Albanese met with officials in Canberra for a briefing on the extreme conditions and said these were \u201cdifficult times\u201d for the country.<\/p>\n

The prime minister urged people to listen to advice from the authorities, if asked to leave properties in the path of a bushfire or advised not to risk driving in floodwaters.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope for the best but we prepare for the worst,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>An out-of-control fire is burning at Longwood, Victoria amid conditions not seen since the deadly black summer in 2019-20<\/span> Photograph: Little Yarra CFA\/PR HANDOUT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Catastrophic and extreme fire danger ratings were in place throughout Victoria, with the entire state under a total fire ban. The central district, which includes Melbourne and Geelong<\/a>, was approaching catastrophic with a fire danger rating of 99 (100 or more is considered catastrophic).<\/p>\n

Fires were expected to be \u201cunpredictable, uncontrollable and fast-moving\u201d, Victoria\u2019s emergency management commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, said as the extreme heat combined with damaging winds and the risk of dry lightning.<\/p>\n

Extreme conditions were also expected across much of South Australia as well as the New South Wales Riverina. Heatwave warnings remained in place for all states and territories except Queensland.<\/p>\n

Walpeup, in north-west Victoria, hit 44C just before lunch , while 44.9C was recorded at Renmark airport, SA .<\/p>\n

In Queensland, a tropical low heading towards Cairns was forecast to intensify into a tropical cyclone Koji by the time it made landfall.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>A tropical low off the coast of north Queensland was now expected to reach cyclone strength before crossing the coast near Townsville, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.<\/span> Photograph: Bureau of Meteorology.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The Victorian premier Jacinta Allan said it was \u201cthe most dangerous day we have had in years\u201d, with fire crews battling blazes in some of the \u201ctoughest conditions imaginable\u201d.<\/p>\n

Fires were already burning in several states, including out-of-control bushfires at Longwood and Walwa in Victoria.<\/p>\n

The chief officer of the CFA, Jason Heffernan, warned conditions on Friday would be \u201cdire\u201d, including potential wind gusts of up to 100km\/h.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not travel today if you don\u2019t need to,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

A total fire ban was in place across the entire state of Victoria, 11 out of 15 fire districts in South Australia and four in NSW (eastern and southern Riverina, Monaro Alpine and Southern Slopes).<\/p>\n

Wind gusts of 96km\/h were recorded at Mount Gellibrand, east of Colac at midday.<\/p>\n

The Bureau of Meteorology was forecasting daytime temperatures 12-16C above average across much of south-eastern Australia.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Sydney can expect the worst of the heatwave on Saturday, with temperatures forecast to surpass 40C.<\/span> Photograph: George Chan\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sydney could expect the worst of the weather on Saturday, Scully said, with temperatures forecast to reach 42C and extreme fire danger extending statewide.<\/p>\n

On Thursday, many places recorded their hottest January temperature on record, said Sarah Scully, a senior meteorologist at the bureau. They included Renmark, which reached 47.3C, and Loxton at 46.2C, both towns in SA\u2019s Riverland, as well as Hopetoun (46.3C) in Victoria\u2019s Mallee.<\/p>\n

Tarcoola, in SA\u2019s far north, reached 48.2C on Thursday.<\/p>\n

There was little relief for people in heatwave affected areas after days of extreme daytime temperaturesturning into warm nights. Renmark\u2019s minimum overnight was 30.9C.<\/p>\n

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\u201cPeople need to take action to stay cool, hydrated and stay indoors where possible,\u201d Scully said.<\/p>\n

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\nQ&A<\/span><\/p>\n

What happens to the body during a heatwave?<\/h4>\n

<\/svg><\/span>Show<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n

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Heatwaves put intense stress on the body – particularly the cardiovascular system and kidneys. The heart has to work hard to deliver oxygen and nutrients to organs while also increasing blood flow to extremities. Cardiovascular collapse \u2013 the heart suddenly failing \u2013 is a main cause of heat-related death in Australia.<\/p>\n

Symptoms to watch out for:
– Hot skin<\/p>\n

– Confusion<\/p>\n

– Weakness<\/p>\n

– Cramps<\/p>\n

– Dizziness<\/p>\n

– Vomiting<\/p>\n

– Fainting<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n