Heatwave Grips South-East Australia, Fueling Fire Risks and Water Rescues

Victoria faces extreme conditions with record-breaking rescues, dangerous bushfires, and a looming cool change expected to bring relief.

South-east Australia endures a severe three-day heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in parts of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.
Victoria's beaches saw over 145 water rescues in a single day, the highest in decades, with Surf Life Saving Victoria attributing increased risks to social media promoting unsafe, unmanned swimming spots.
Firefighters battle a 76,000-hectare bushfire in the Grampians National Park, with total fire bans in place across multiple Victorian regions due to extreme fire danger.
Unsettled weather and gusty winds complicate firefighting efforts, with concerns over dry lightning potentially igniting new blazes across the state.
A cool change is forecast to bring relief to Victoria and South Australia late Sunday into Monday, though New South Wales will see continued heat until Tuesday.