Australia is bracing for a prolonged heatwave and the threat of tropical cyclone Koji as it heads towards Queensland. The country's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has urged Victorians to stay indoors due to extreme conditions. Melbourne's mercury will reach 42C today while 43C was forecast in Sydney on Saturday.
The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, described the situation as "the most dangerous day we have had in years". Fire crews are battling blazes in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. The central district, which includes Melbourne and Geelong, is approaching catastrophic fire danger rating of 99 (100 or more is considered catastrophic).
The extreme heat has led to numerous power outages across Victoria with around 35,000 customers without electricity. Public land and parks have been closed while several regional train and coach services were cancelled.
Meanwhile, a tropical low off the coast of north Queensland was expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone before crossing the coast near Townsville. A warning zone has been issued from Port Douglas to Tully, including Cairns and Innisfail.
The heatwave is unusual for Australia during a La Niña summer, with climate change playing a significant role in the extreme weather conditions. Climate experts say that two factors have contributed to the extreme heat: strongest stratospheric warming above Antarctica since 2019 and climate change.
Queenslanders are advised to stay indoors as Tropical cyclone Koji is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region.
The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, described the situation as "the most dangerous day we have had in years". Fire crews are battling blazes in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. The central district, which includes Melbourne and Geelong, is approaching catastrophic fire danger rating of 99 (100 or more is considered catastrophic).
The extreme heat has led to numerous power outages across Victoria with around 35,000 customers without electricity. Public land and parks have been closed while several regional train and coach services were cancelled.
Meanwhile, a tropical low off the coast of north Queensland was expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone before crossing the coast near Townsville. A warning zone has been issued from Port Douglas to Tully, including Cairns and Innisfail.
The heatwave is unusual for Australia during a La Niña summer, with climate change playing a significant role in the extreme weather conditions. Climate experts say that two factors have contributed to the extreme heat: strongest stratospheric warming above Antarctica since 2019 and climate change.
Queenslanders are advised to stay indoors as Tropical cyclone Koji is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region.
. And those power outages? No thanks, I don't need the extra stress. 
. Have you guys seen those pics of people running from wildfires? Absolutely heart-wrenching 
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. I can only imagine the destruction and chaos that's gonna hit those areas. Can't wait to see how everyone copes with it all 
. I'm trying to stay cool by playing games on my new Oculus Quest 2 headset 
. But seriously, 42C in Melbourne? That's insane! 
The power outages are making it hard for me to work from home... how's everyone else doing? 
my heart goes out to all those who have lost their homes. It's like, I get that it's summer and hot, but 42C?! That's just crazy 
and the fire danger rating is at 99? That's insane 
! I feel like we need more help from the government, not just urging people to stay indoors 
. And what about all those power outages? Like, how are people supposed to keep their kids safe with no electricity? 
It's just so frustrating 
. I hope everyone stays safe and that these fires get contained soon 
it's like australia's been hit by a massive oven door left on 
. Have anyone else tried those solar panels? Really makes a difference 
️. But what's even more worrying is the fires - those conditions sound super tough for firefighters to deal with 
I guess climate change is really making its presence felt this summer 
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. I'm not sure what's more worrying: the heatwave or the storm 
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...like, what's even going on? first it's heatwave then tropical cyclone...can't a country just chill for once? 
anyway, gotta feel for victorians and queenslanders who are dealing with this crazy weather. like, 42c in melbourne is no joke 
. climate change is definitely playing a major role here...strongest stratospheric warming above antarctica since 2019 and all that jazz 
. glad the authorities are warning ppl to stay indoors tho 