Fires in Australia, a climate extreme on the other side of the world

While Europe is struggling with frost and an abundance of snow not seen for a long time, the new year in the Antipodes began with a wave of forty-degree heat. The catastrophic effects did not take long to appear. Fires in Australia have already destroyed more than 350 buildings and devastated 350,000 ha of bushland. The most difficult situation is in the state of Victoria.

Cloudless skies and up to 48°C

In the second week of January, all Australian states except Queensland recorded a sharp rise in temperatures. Last Wednesday, cloudless skies were accompanied by north-westerly winds, which led to the compression of dry, desert air near the ground. In addition, an anticyclone formed over the southern part of the continent, pushing air toward the surface and forcing further compression.

The highest temperatures were recorded in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. In Melbourne, thermometers showed 41°C, the highest value in six years, since the infamous Black Summer, when fires in Australia covered 24 million ha of the country and led to the deaths of more than 30 people.

In the suburbs of Sydney, 44°C was measured last week, in Port Augusta 47°C, and at Wudinna Airport as much as 48.2°C. According to representatives of the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), temperatures exceeded long-term January averages by as much as 8 to 16 degrees. Reports from volunteers indicate that due to the heat, thousands of bats have already died over the past week.

Fires in Australia, first fatality

Meteorologists from the BOM had already issued the highest fire warnings last Wednesday, emphasizing the high risk associated with strong winds and dry thunderstorms. The forecasts were quickly confirmed. Near Longwood in the state of Victoria, fire destroyed 150,000 ha of pristine forest at a surprisingly fast pace. It was there that the first fatal victim of the blaze was found on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, Australian authorities declared a state of natural disaster, which enabled emergency services to carry out mandatory evacuations. Burnt trees are blocking an increasing number of roads, however, making rescue operations more difficult. More than 70 firefighting aircraft are battling the flames.

Fires in Australia are affecting not only bushland but also farmland and vineyards. Small towns and villages are most at risk, where wind-driven embers fall on homes and farm buildings. According to preliminary estimates, thousands of livestock animals have been affected.

The government announced the immediate launch of a reconstruction aid fund worth nearly 20 million Australian dollars. Air quality is deteriorating dramatically, prompting authorities to urge people to avoid outdoor physical activity.

There will be rain, but not where it is needed

Local authorities report that the rate of fire spread in the north-eastern part of Victoria has slowed. Residents of Baring, Big Desert, Boinka, Linga, Patchewollock, Torrita, Underbool and Walpeup have been allowed to return home. More than 30 fires, however, remain active.

The forecasts are not fully optimistic. Many of these large fires will persist for days and even weeks to come, said the Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch.

Meanwhile, according to the latest BOM forecasts, rainfall is expected mainly over the fire-free state of Queensland. It will be intense enough for forecasters to warn of local flooding. Temperatures in the south will drop slightly, with maximums of 29°C expected in Sydney and 33°C in Canberra. In South Australia, however, dry and hot conditions will continue, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C.

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main photo: National Interagency Fire Center/Flickr