Millions of Australians have been told to brace for extreme heat and strong winds that swept across the country on Wednesday. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) rolled out a chain of severe‑weather alerts that covered the east coast, southeast and northern regions.
Key alerts
| Region | Hot‑haze warning | Wind warning | Fire danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Yes | Up to 100 km/h | Extreme |
| Victoria | No | Yes | |
| South Australia (SA) | No | Yes | |
| Queensland (QLD) | Yes | – | |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Yes | – |
- Sydney topped off at 39 °C (102 °F), smashing the October record of 38.2 °C set in 2004.
- The BoM flagged an extreme fire danger for Greater Sydney and surrounding areas because of the heat and the gusty winds.
- Queensland’s maximum hit 46.1 °C, while NSW topped out at 44.8 °C – the hottest October days on record for both states.
Health officials rushed to warn the public. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park urged people to stay indoors, keep hydrated and check on seniors, kids and pregnant women. “Take steps to protect yourself from the heat – stay cool and stay hydrated,” he said.
Why this is happening
Australia’s huge landmass, desert interiors and high UV exposure make it vulnerable to heatwaves. A warm air mass moving out of central Australia joins higher sea‑surface temperatures and other atmospheric factors, piling heat on top of the already‑warming climate. Climate change heightens both the frequency and the intensity of these extreme events.
What you can do
- Limit outdoor activity during peak temperatures.
- Dress in light, loose clothing and use sunscreen.
- Keep water on hand and stay hydrated.
- Check in on anyone at risk, such as the elderly, children and those with heart conditions.
- Listen to local warnings and follow any evacuation orders if issued.
The BoM will update guidance as the weather pattern shifts, so keep your phone nearby for the latest alerts.
Source: ianslive
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