A severe heatwave is gripping southeastern Australia, breaking temperature records and fueling deadly bushfires. This week, some places experienced temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius. Described as a “heat dome,” this phenomenon traps hot air, much like a lid on a boiling pot, causing a dangerous heat buildup.
It all started on January 19 in Western Australia, with the Pilbara region hitting 48 degrees. The intense heat spread eastward, affecting vast areas of the country. By January 23, temperatures climbed even higher, reaching 49.2 degrees in parts of Shark Bay.
Locations like Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northern Territory, covering 262,000 hectares, have been particularly hard hit. Temperatures there have soared above 40 degrees for the past month. Mike Rawnsley, the sanctuary manager, noted, “You don’t acclimate particularly well to 45 degrees.”
As the heatwave progressed, the relentless heat moved towards South Australia and New South Wales. “Temperatures started to build really fast across South Australia and got hotter in Victoria and NSW,” said Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology. This escalation has prompted the Climate Council to label it a public health emergency. Dr. Kate Charlesworth from the council warned, “Heat is a silent killer,” noting that over 1,000 Australians lost their lives to heatwaves from 2016 to 2019.
In the recent wave of heat, areas in Victoria broke records, with Hopetoun and Walpeup reaching 48.9 degrees, while New South Wales witnessed temperatures rising to 49.2 degrees in Borrona Downs. Meanwhile, in western NSW, Fowlers Gap recorded its hottest day ever at 49.1 degrees. Renmark, South Australia, became one of the hottest places in the world on Tuesday, reaching 49.6 degrees.
Social media has exploded with reactions from residents grappling with the heat. Tweets show people frying eggs on sidewalks and expressing the challenges of staying cool, while businesses shuttered in high-temperature regions. In Ouyen, where temperatures soared above 48 degrees, residents had to abandon outdoor activities.
Climate scientists warn that as the world continues to warm, heatwaves are likely to become more frequent and severe. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts recently reported that last year was the third warmest on record globally. Experts stress the necessity for societies to adapt to this changing climate.
As Australia struggles with this extreme weather, many hope for the heat to dissipate soon. Hines indicated that while coastal regions might see milder temperatures, the inland areas would continue to endure the relentless heat for several days longer.
The situation remains critical. For more information on climate change, check the [Climate Council](https://www.climatecouncil.org.au). Stay informed about these extreme weather patterns as climate change intensifies globally.
