Australia prepares for record heat
Australia is facing a weekend of extremes when it comes to the weather: while meteorologists are expecting record temperatures of well over 40 degrees in the east and south of the country, a cyclone is approaching the north. Meanwhile, dozens of bushfires are burning, especially in the state of South Australia, which are being fanned by strong winds, as reported by the Australian broadcaster ABC.30,000 dry lightning strikes have fallen in the region within 24 hours, discharging without rainfall and igniting forest fires particularly frequently, according to the fire department. The current weather conditions are extremely dangerous and could potentially trigger further serious fires. Thousands of people were also temporarily without power and heat warnings were issued for the state of New South Wales and the metropolis of Sydney, where the highest temperatures in years were expected in many areas. Around 20 schools were closed as a precaution. Experts were also expecting temperatures of up to 45 degrees in the neighboring state of Victoria on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a tropical cyclone is moving towards the northwest of Australia. "Jasper" has now reached the second-highest level 4 on the cyclone scale. On Friday, the storm was still around 1250 kilometers away from the city of Cairns and was moving across the Coral Sea, according to the weather bureau.
Australia is particularly affected by climate change. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in February 2022 assumes that the country will be hit even more frequently by devastating natural events in the future. Stronger heat, more dangerous fires, more droughts and floods, higher sea levels and drier winters are to be expected.
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In spite of the approaching Cyclone "Jasper" at record strength in the north of Australia, the eastern and southern regions are bracing for record-breaking temperatures over 40 degrees. Despite this, dozens of bushfires continue to rage, especially in South Australia, exacerbated by strong winds.
Despite the cautionary measures, such as closing around 20 schools and power outages in New South Wales and Sydney, authorities are concerned about the potential for further significant fires due to the extraordinary weather conditions.
Source: www.ntv.de
