Australia Faces Severe Heatwave with Temperatures Surpassing 40°C

Large swaths of the country endure prolonged extreme heat, with Queensland and Western Australia experiencing record-breaking conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe heatwave warnings for nearly half of Australia, including parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
Perth recorded a peak temperature of 43.6°C on Monday, with Geraldton equaling its hottest day on record at 49.3°C.
Brisbane and Sydney are forecast to reach highs of 36°C to 40°C, with inland areas experiencing even hotter conditions.
The heatwave is driven by a combination of hot, dry winds from central Australia and a slow-moving cyclone off Western Australia's coast, creating a 'traffic jam' in weather systems.
Authorities warn of increased health and fire risks, urging precautions for vulnerable populations and emphasizing the need for climate adaptation strategies.