Australia Braces for High Bushfire and Flood Risks This Summer

Authorities warn of heightened fire danger in multiple regions, with wetter and warmer conditions predicted across the country.

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) has identified increased bushfire risks in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory due to dry soil and high temperatures.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a wetter-than-average December, driven by warm ocean temperatures and a negative Indian Ocean Dipole, but warns that long-term dryness leaves many areas vulnerable to fires.
Victoria has already recorded over 150 grass and scrub fires this season, with conditions likened to the devastating Black Summer of 2019-20.
Experts highlight the dual threat of bushfires and flash flooding, as higher-than-average rainfall could lead to multi-hazard events in some regions.
Scientists emphasize the role of climate change, noting that Australia's average temperatures have risen 1.5°C since records began, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events.