AUSTRALIA: A spring heat wave in southeast Australia, including Sydney, is expected to worsen on Monday, with highs potentially reaching 16 degrees Celsius, above the usual September temperature, according to the weather bureau.
Australia is sweltering in a heat wave that has been developing in the nation’s inner regions since the weekend. It is expected to affect the states of South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, which will persist through Wednesday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has described the heat as unusual for September, with predictions of breaking early spring records. A break from the heat is expected on Wednesday as a stronger cold front moves across southeastern states, the weather bureau reported on social media on Sunday.
Around 40 runners were treated for heat exhaustion after the Sydney marathon, and 26 were hospitalized due to the heat.
The weather bureau predicts high temperatures in the west of Sydney, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius on Monday and dropping to 22 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
This heat wave has increased fire hazards, with many regions receiving high fire danger ratings and officials advising citizens to prepare for bushfires. In New South Wales, about 50 grass or bushfires are burning, but all have been controlled.
Australia is preparing for a hotter spring and summer in the southern hemisphere this year after the likelihood of an El Nino increased, and the weather forecaster stated the weather event will probably occur between September and November.
El Nino can cause extreme weather in Australia, including wildfires, cyclones, and droughts. Authorities have warned about increased bushfire dangers this summer.
Sydney was covered in a dense smoke haze last week for several days as firefighters conducted hazard reduction burns to be ready for the impending bushfire season.
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