For the second day in a row, a new heat record has been set in Australia.
Meanwhile, around a hundred wildfires are raging and a week-long state of emergency has been declared in the Australian state of New South Wales, reports ABC News.
On Wednesday, a new heat record was set in Australia for the second day in a row. The average for the day's highs reached 41.9 degrees – which is a full degree higher than Tuesday's high of 40.9 degrees.
At the Nullarbor weather station in the state of South Australia, a record high temperature of 49.9 degrees was measured, and in several parts of the country the temperature was above 45 degrees on Thursday, according to ABC News.
The biggest concern over the next few days is the unpredictability, with extreme wind conditions and extremely high temperatures, says New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian, regarding the bushfires raging in the state.
In New South Wales, three large fires are raging outside Sydney, with its population of around five million.
The Fire and Rescue Service (RFS) has issued a warning to residents in high-risk areas of the state, urging them to evacuate early because there are "simply not enough fire engines for every house," Reuters reports.
”"If you call for help, you may not get it. Don't expect a fire engine. Don't expect someone to knock on the door. Don't expect a phone call," the RFS warns.
For the second time since the start of this year's wildfire season, a state of emergency has been declared in the state. The emergency gives emergency services extra powers.
The RFS, through its chief, Shane Fitzsimmons, may, among other things, decide how government resources should be distributed, close roads, forcibly evacuate people and take over private properties if deemed necessary during rescue operations.
According to Fitzsimmons, about 2,000 firefighters are working in the state with another 500 ready to respond.
”"Although today is going to be a very bad day, a dangerous day in New South Wales, the forecast is that Saturday will be even worse," Fitzsimmons said at a press conference.
Source: di.se
