Australia is grappling with a catastrophic wildfire danger
In a harrowing turn of events, Australia is grappling with a catastrophic wildfire danger as scorching temperatures and an intense heatwave sweep across the nation. This crisis has led to the closure of schools in affected areas and the imposition of a complete fire ban in Sydney, a measure not witnessed in three years.
Sydney’s Unprecedented Fire Ban
Sydney and coastal communities to the south are now under an unprecedented complete fire ban, a measure last seen in November 2020. These regions are currently enduring their highest September temperatures in decades, with temperatures soaring well above the September average. On Tuesday, Sydney even matched its September maximum temperature record, reaching a scorching 34.6°C, which is over 12°C higher than the September average.
Tuesday has been another scorcher along the NSW coastline. Sydney matched its September record temp with 34.6C. Many other places also set records for heat in September. More: https://t.co/jlOoTZLz8d pic.twitter.com/pf2ZKDcC8m
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) September 19, 2023
Historic September Heat
Australia’s southwestern regions are facing historic heat levels, with an early spring heatwave that is rewriting the record books. The country has experienced five consecutive days of temperatures surpassing 30°C for the first time ever in September, a season that typically marks the beginning of spring.
Record Temperatures Across Multiple States
The soaring temperatures are not confined to Sydney alone; cities in southern Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales have witnessed temperatures climbing into the mid to high 30s. South Australia’s Ceduna recorded an astonishing 39.8°C.
Historic heat in Australia
Stunning 38.4C at Port Augusta in South Australia,new monthly record
And New South Wales with nearly 37C
RECORDS
36.6 Moruya
35.9 Bega
35.4 Ulladulla
34.8 Forbes
34.7 Albion Park
34.6 Wyalong
34.5 Narooma
33.4 Mangrove
33.4 Montague Isl.
28.8 Braidwood https://t.co/FwvXn8ckzy— Extreme Temperatures Around The World (@extremetemps) September 18, 2023
Impending Wildfire Threat
Authorities are sounding the alarm for what could be the most destructive wildfire season in Australia’s populous southeast since the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019-20, which claimed 33 lives, destroyed over 3,000 homes, and consumed 19 million hectares of forest. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology describes the unusually warm start to spring in the southeast as deeply concerning.
Unprecedented Fire Activity
As of Tuesday, there were 61 wildfires burning across Australia’s most populous state, with 13 of them classified as raging out of control. A “catastrophic” fire danger rating has been declared along the south coast of New South Wales, signifying the highest level of danger in a five-tier rating system.
Rural Fire Service Commissioner’s Warning
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers has emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that once fires reach the “catastrophic” danger rating, there is very little time to contain them, and extinguishing them becomes nearly impossible. He has urged the community to prioritize their safety and life preservation.
School Closures
Due to the heightened fire danger, state education authorities have made the difficult decision to close 20 schools in south coast communities on Tuesday, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Global Heatwave Trends
Australia’s exceptionally hot spring aligns with a broader trend of record-shattering temperatures worldwide. The Northern Hemisphere experienced its hottest summer in approximately 120,000 years, resulting in deadly heatwaves and extreme weather events across Asia, Europe, and North America. South America also faced winter heatwaves, making it the warmest Southern Hemisphere winter on record.
El Niño and Weather Patterns
Australia’s elevated temperatures are partially attributed to the El Niño weather pattern, known to trigger extreme weather events such as wildfires, cyclones, and droughts. The Bureau of Meteorology officially declared an El Niño weather pattern on Tuesday, following the World Meteorological Organisation’s declaration in July.
Future Weather Outlook
Australia’s weather bureau predicts a drier and warmer period between October and December, with above-average temperatures expected across much of the country. These predictions align with the onset of El Niño, suggesting that this summer will likely be hotter than average and surpass the temperatures observed over the last three years. Bureau manager Karl Braganza emphasizes the need for preparedness in the face of these challenging weather conditions. Stay informed and stay safe.
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