Southeastern Australia has gripped with raising temperature, heightening the bushfire dangers and leading to the fire ban across significant parts of Victoria state, on Saturday.
As per the Bureau of Meteorology the temperature in some areas would be around 14 degrees Celsius(25.2 degrees Fahrenheit) that is above average. The capital of Victoria, Melbourne hit a scorching 37°C (98.6°F), with Melbourne Airport recording 32.8°C (91°F) by mid-morning—already over six degrees above January’s average maximum.
Authorities have declared two districts in the western Victoria of total fire ban, including Wimmera Region, where levels of fire dangers have been at “extreme,” the maximum risk category, the Bureau of Meteorology cautioned that the peak of the heatwave, driven by a significant wind change, will be over the weekend, while relief is not expected until late Sunday night.
The heatwave comes as Victoria endures a trying bushfire season, during which a huge fire swept through the Grampians National Park last week, burning homes and farmland. Australia is now entering a high-risk fire season, and officials are preparing for possible challenges similar to those seen in past fire crises.
Even though the recent fire seasons have been relatively mild, the memory of the devastating 2019-2020 “Black Summer” is still fresh. During that period, wildfires ravaged an area equivalent to the size of Turkey, killing 33 people and causing massive destruction. As temperatures rise and fire risks increase, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential emergencies.
