Southern Australia is bracing for a weekend of extreme weather conditions as the Bureau of Meteorology warns of soaring temperatures and damaging winds across several states. The elevated fire danger has authorities on high alert, with fears that any blazes that ignite could rapidly spiral out of control.
Scorching Temperatures and Gusty Winds Forecast
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, an intense heat wave building in Western Australia’s interior is set to sweep eastward, bringing scorching temperatures up to 16°C above average. Adelaide is expected to reach a blistering 35°C on Saturday, while some western parts of South Australia could see the mercury climb to 40°C.
“We’re not expecting too much in the way of rainfall, but the wind will really start to ramp up,” said Jonathan How, a meteorologist at the Bureau. The combination of searing heat and strong winds has fire authorities deeply concerned.
Extreme Fire Danger Ratings Issued
An extreme fire danger rating – the highest level – has been declared for South Australia’s west coast, stretching to the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Riverland, and Murraylands. Under these conditions, any fires that start are expected to spread rapidly and become extremely dangerous.
Under an extreme rating, people are advised to action their Bushfire Survival Plan now as fires will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast-moving.
South Australia Country Fire Service
High fire danger warnings are also anticipated for parts of eastern Tasmania and north-western Victoria on Saturday as wind speeds intensify in the afternoon and evening. Damaging wind warnings may be issued for elevated parts of Victoria and the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales.
Fire Danger Pushes East on Sunday
The fire danger is set to shift eastwards on Sunday, impacting New South Wales, including Sydney and the Illawarra region, eastern Victoria, and southeastern Tasmania. Temperatures are forecast to hit 34°C in Parramatta, 32°C in Sydney, 31°C in Albury-Wodonga and Newcastle, and 30°C in Canberra before moderating on Monday.
Australia’s Changing Climate
The looming fire danger comes on the heels of the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO’s state of the climate report, which confirmed that Australia’s temperatures have risen by 1.5°C since 1910. Last month was particularly scorching, with mean temperatures 2.51°C above the 1961-1990 average, making it the second-warmest October on record.
Australia’s climate has warmed on average by 1.47℃ since national records began in 1910, leading to an increase in the frequency of extreme heat events.
Bureau of Meteorology State of the Climate 2022 report
As the planet continues to warm due to climate change, Australia is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, elevating the risk of bushfires. This weekend’s fire danger serves as a stark reminder of the country’s shifting climate reality.
Staying Safe During Extreme Fire Danger
Fire authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay informed, monitor the latest warnings, and be ready to enact their bushfire survival plans. Key steps to staying safe include:
- Understanding the fire danger ratings and what they mean
- Having a well-prepared and rehearsed bushfire survival plan
- Staying up to date with local emergency information and alerts
- Ensuring your property is prepared and defendable
- Leaving early if unsafe to stay – don’t wait for an official warning
As southern Australia faces yet another high-stakes bushfire weekend, the nation holds its breath, hoping that early preparation, vigilance, and a dose of good fortune can see communities safely through the coming days of extreme fire danger.
