"Dire bushfire conditions threatened south-eastern states on Friday as unrelenting heat bore down on large parts of Australia and Victorians prepared for catastrophic conditions not seen since 2019-20. Melbourne's maximum temperature was forecast to reach 43C on Friday, and up to 45C in some suburbs. The city was 38.7C at midday and reached 40C by 1pm. Anthony Albanese met officials in Canberra for a briefing on the extreme conditions and said these were difficult times for the country."
"Catastrophic and extreme fire danger ratings were in place throughout Victoria, with the entire state under a total fire ban. The central district, which includes Melbourne and Geelong, was approaching catastrophic with a fire danger rating of 99 (100 or more is considered catastrophic). Fires were expected to be unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast-moving, Victoria's emergency management commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, said as the extreme heat combined with damaging winds and the risk of dry lightning."
South-eastern Australia faced dire bushfire conditions amid an unrelenting heatwave, with Victorians preparing for catastrophic fire danger not seen since 2019-20. Melbourne's maximum was forecast to reach 43C and up to 45C in some suburbs, and the city reached 40C by early afternoon. The prime minister met officials and urged people to follow authorities' advice, including leaving properties in a fire's path and avoiding driving in floodwaters. Catastrophic and extreme fire danger ratings covered Victoria under a total fire ban, with the central district nearing a 99 fire danger rating. Fires were expected to be unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast-moving as heat combined with damaging winds and dry lightning, and emergency crews strengthened containment lines.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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