By Blessing Nweke
Australian authorities have issued widespread heatwave warnings as millions of people across the country mark Australia Day, with dangerously high temperatures and heightened fire risks affecting much of the nation. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said temperatures are expected to peak on Tuesday, reaching the “high forties” Celsius in southern states including Victoria and South Australia.
On Sunday, South Australia recorded scorching temperatures of up to 48.5°C, prompting urgent warnings of extreme fire danger. As a result, several national day events scheduled for Monday were cancelled due to safety concerns. Australia Day, observed annually on 26 January, commemorates the 1788 landing of Britain’s First Fleet, marking the beginning of European colonisation.
In Adelaide, the Australia Day parade and a planned light show were called off. Organisers said the decision was made to prioritise public safety, describing the cancellation as disappointing but necessary given the severe heat forecast.
Heatwave warnings have also been issued across New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, with many alerts expected to remain in place until Wednesday. Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, warned conditions were the most severe seen in nearly two decades, drawing comparisons to the extreme heat preceding the devastating 2009 bushfires.
The BoM has warned of “extreme fire dangers” in parts of South Australia and south-western Victoria, driven by very hot, dry weather and gusty winds. Firefighters in Victoria are battling several blazes that have forced evacuations and threatened homes.
The heat has also disrupted major sporting events. At the Australian Open in Melbourne, play was temporarily suspended as rising temperatures affected players, with nearly 80,000 spectators urged to take precautions.
Meanwhile, Western Australia experienced contrasting extreme weather, with Tropical Cyclone Luana damaging homes and a popular beach resort before weakening inland. Authorities continue to urge residents nationwide to stay cool and remain vigilant.
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