Southern Australia Faces Catastrophic Fire Risk Amid Heatwave

A short-lived heatwave brings extreme fire danger to parts of South Australia and Victoria, with warnings issued for high temperatures and strong winds.

• South Australia and Victoria are experiencing temperatures significantly above average, with highs reaching the low 40s Celsius in some areas.
• The Bureau of Meteorology has issued catastrophic fire danger warnings for South Australia's Eastern Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas.
• Total fire bans are in place across much of South Australia, with extreme fire danger ratings for several regions including the West Coast and Mount Lofty Ranges.
• Victoria's Mallee and Wimmera districts are also under extreme fire danger warnings, with Melbourne expected to reach 34C.
• Severe weather conditions, including gusty winds and potential dry lightning, further increase the risk of fires starting and spreading rapidly.

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