Australia Faces Extreme Heatwave and Fire Risks as Temperatures Soar

Record-breaking December heat grips multiple states, with Victoria and New South Wales on high fire alert and Queensland bracing for heavy rainfall.

Temperatures in parts of Victoria and New South Wales are forecast to reach up to 47°C, marking some of the hottest December days in years.
Melbourne is set to experience its hottest December day since 2019, with a high of 41°C and extreme fire danger warnings issued across the state.
Fire authorities in Victoria and South Australia are on high alert, with total fire bans declared and firefighting aircraft deployed to critical areas.
Severe to extreme heatwave conditions are expected to persist in the Northern Territory and Queensland, while Queensland also faces flash flooding risks from heavy rains.
Cool changes are forecast to bring relief to South Australia and Victoria by late Monday, with temperatures expected to ease in New South Wales by midweek.