Australia is facing widespread heatwave conditions as millions celebrate Australia Day, with temperatures expected to reach the high 40s Celsius in several states. Some celebrations have been cancelled due to safety concerns amid the extreme heat and heightened fire danger.
Heatwave Warnings Issued Across Most of Australia
Heatwave warnings are currently in effect for Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory. Many of these warnings will remain in place until Wednesday.
On Sunday, South Australia recorded a high of 48.5C, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The bureau is warning of extreme fire danger in parts of the country due to the hot and dry weather combined with moderate to gusty winds.
Australia Day Celebrations Affected
In Adelaide, an Australia Day parade and light show have been cancelled due to the forecast for extreme heat. Organisers stated that community safety and wellbeing must come first.
Australia Day marks the anniversary of the 1788 landing of Britain’s First Fleet, beginning the era of colonisation. However, many Indigenous Australians refer to the day as “Invasion Day” as a reminder of the cultural destruction experienced under European settlers. Rallies in support of Indigenous Australians were held across the country on Monday.
Impacts Beyond Celebrations
Victoria’s emergency management commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, told ABC that the state hasn’t seen heatwave conditions like these in almost 20 years, comparing the current situation to conditions preceding the 2009 bushfires.
Firefighters in Victoria are currently battling several fires across the state, prompting evacuations and threatening properties. The heat has also impacted the Australian Open, where tennis player Jannik Sinner suffered from cramps on the court on Saturday, leading to a temporary suspension of play. Nearly 80,000 fans were warned to take precautions against the scorching sun.
Meanwhile, parts of Western Australia were affected by Tropical Cyclone Luana over the weekend, which caused damage to homes and a beach resort before weakening as it moved inland.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises people to find cool places, such as homes, libraries, community centres, or shopping centres, and to close windows and draw curtains to keep heat out of their homes.
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