An intense heatwave with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius and the looming threat of Cyclone Jasper have put Australians on high alert. In the most populated state of New South Wales, temperatures are predicted to exceed 40C, with some locations expecting maximums of up to a scorching 46C. To mitigate potential risks, around 20 rural schools have been ordered to close and outdoor bonfires have been prohibited in certain districts. The state of Victoria is also on alert as temperatures are set to soar above 40C, accompanied by the possibility of destructive winds. Meanwhile, in South Australia, firefighters are battling several bushfires while preparing for potentially catastrophic conditions generated by the heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach a sweltering 47C. Additionally, authorities in northeastern Queensland are bracing themselves for the arrival of Category 4 Cyclone Jasper, projected to hit the city of Cairns and surrounding areas in the coming week.
Australia’s weather conditions this year have been affected by El Niño, the warm phase of a climate pattern across the tropical Pacific. This, combined with the impact of global warming, has brought about drier than usual weather, increasing the risk of disasters.
The devastating consequences of such extreme weather conditions were already witnessed in October, when large and destructive bushfires wreaked havoc in New South Wales and Queensland, claiming at least three lives.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has urged residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the heatwave persists and the threat of Cyclone Jasper looms. With memories of the catastrophic ‘Black Summer’ of 2019-2020 still fresh, when bushfires ravaged an area equivalent to the size of Turkey and claimed 33 lives, authorities are determined to prevent a repeat of such a disaster.
As Australians brace themselves for the scorching heatwave and prepare for the impending cyclone, the importance of remaining alert, heeding official warnings, and ensuring personal safety cannot be overstated.
