Emergency services in southeast Australia are warning people to avoid venturing outside their homes as a dangerous heatwave takes over the country.
The heatwave, which is being described as ”catastrophic”, is bringing temperatures so high that the asphalt has melted on some roads including the Hume Highway.
Hobart in Tasmania succeeded the state max of 35.8°C degrees on with temperatures of much of Victoria exceeding 40°C Celsius on Saturday.
Over 40°C in #Melbourne city, by far the hottest Australian capital. Up to 43.7°C so far at Avalon. Last time Melbourne exceeded 40°C was January 13th 2016 with 42.2°C.
Melbourne Obs at https://t.co/MfREwYwQfV PS Looks like the Geelong station has failed in the heat. pic.twitter.com/qfNQ31jXSI— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) January 6, 2018
The last time Hobart exceeded 35.8°C deg was Christmas Day 2015 when it reached 36°C.
The most recent warmer temperature for January was 38.9°C deg on the 28 January 2014.
Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania have declared a total fire ban following bushfires on the outskirts of Melbourne reaching out on control levels.
Residents at Carrum Downs feared for their lives and their homes as they were told to evacuate the area.
⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE: Hot weather for #SouthAustralia, #Victoria, #Tasmania & #NSW. Video current at 1pm AEDT Friday 5 Jan. Latest warnings at https://t.co/iQEA3YDwb5. #heatwave @VicEmergency @CFA_Updates @SA_SES @CFSAlerts @NSWRFS @TasAlert @TasFireService @ABCemergency pic.twitter.com/ozXLQRU564
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) January 5, 2018
About 7600 people’s homes are without power at the moment. Some of the worst affected areas are Macedon area, North Geelong and Yarrawonga.
The Carrum Downs fire has been brought under control, and the emergency warning has been downgraded from a ‘Watch an Act’ to an ‘Advice’.
That advice is: “There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.”
However it seems that Tasmania has escaped the worst of it, as temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow, with cool and mostly dry conditions, as a cold front crosses the state this evening.
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