Australia’s east gripped by heatwave as bushfires continue to rage
Warnings have been issued over bushfires raging across Australia’s east coast, as fire services fear the fires could worsen as a severe heatwave continues.
The heatwave comes after two years of relentless rain and floods for New South Wales state – which is now experiencing its worst fires since the 2019-2020 Black Summer.
A fire 155 miles northwest of Sydney has led to the region’s first emergency fire warning in two years, as firefighters battle flames as high as 15 metres.
Residents in affected areas across New South Wales – Australia’s most populous state – have been advised to evacuate.
Heatwaves and bushfires
Temperatures on Monday topped 40C for some parts of the state – the first time since January 2021.
As of Tuesday, there are still 33 fires burning across the state – 10 which were not yet under control, according to the fire authorities.
The rapid spread of fires is being driven by strong winds. The NSW Rural Fire Service has warned there could be dry thunderstorms ahead, which could spark new fires.
There are a number of other fires in Western NSW that were also “likely to be problematic,” according to RFS Inspector Ben Shepard.
The hot and dry conditions are set to last until Wednesday.
Widespread flooding
The heatwave comes after eastern Australia has dealt with three consecutive summers of La Niña conditions. The above-average rainfall has led to widespread flooding.
In 2022, Sydney recorded its wettest year since records began.
But the La Niña is set to end soon, with a return to neutral conditions or even the hot and dry El Niño phenomenon likely in the southern hemisphere’s autumn, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.