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Australia's Southeast Endures Record-Breaking Heatwave
Scorching heatwave conditions continue to grip much of Australia's southeast, keeping authorities on high alert as fire conditions grow increasingly unpredictable. Temperatures are expected to soar across parts of Victoria and South Australia on Tuesday, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning the extreme heat could break historical records.
Melbourne Faces Hottest Day Since Black Saturday
Melbourne is set to swelter through its hottest day since the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, with a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius expected. In the state's far north, Mildura is forecast to reach a staggering 49 degrees Celsius, while Broken Hill in New South Wales is expected to hit 47 degrees Celsius. Both locations are poised to shatter previous temperature records.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore told AAP: "If Mildura does reach that high, it will be the hottest temperature recorded in Victoria. Pretty much all observation points near the SA and Victorian border are either approaching or likely to exceed January records, and a few locations could also break their all-time records."
Records Already Broken on Monday
Records were broken on Monday in Adelaide, where the temperature reached 44.7 degrees Celsius, exceeding the city's previous Australia Day heat record set in 2006. Ceduna, northwest of the capital, climbed to 49 degrees Celsius, surpassing its previous record temperature. Meanwhile, the New South Wales town of Dubbo reached 46.1 degrees Celsius, recording its hottest January day.
The bureau warns that gusty southwesterly winds will hit Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon, with a risk of thunderstorms producing dry lightning. A cooler change will begin to move through Victoria on Wednesday, although inland parts of the southeast won't see much of a reprieve.
Thousands Urged to Evacuate as Bushfire Fears Loom
Thousands of residents in homes across southwest Victoria have been urged to evacuate in anticipation of a fast-moving bushfire. Victoria Police and State Emergency Service crews began door-knocking homes and properties in the Greater Otways area on Monday, strongly recommending that residents evacuate immediately.
Affected Areas and Fire Conditions
Those living in the southwestern Victorian towns of Barongarook, Barongarook West, Beech Forest, Coram, Gellibrand, Gerangamete, Kawarren, Lovat, Tulloh, Wimba, and surrounding areas in the Otways National Park are being urged to escape the growing Carlisle River fire. Six fires have been burning out of control in recent days, with emergency services concerned that today's heatwave conditions could further inflame the fires.
A total fire ban remains in place today across the entire state of Victoria, underscoring the severe risk posed by the combination of extreme heat and dry conditions. Authorities are on high alert as they monitor the situation closely, urging residents to heed evacuation warnings for their safety.
