While The US Freezes Over, Australians Are Suffering From Not Just Another Heatwave
It's not a heatwave ... it's THE HEATWAVE!
By Sadho Ram — 16 Jan 2014, 05:59 PM — Updated almost 11 years ago
Australians sweltering through a severe heatwave were warned on Thursday that the worst is yet to come
As temperatures soared across southern Australia for the third day this week, Australia’s Climate Council warned of a persistent trend towards longer, hotter heatwaves.
time.com
Melbourne is seeing a third consecutive day of heat above 40C, with temperatures of 41.7C (107F) on Thursday. Australia's Climate Council says in a report that the number of hot days in the country has "more than doubled".
The soaring temperatures have halted matches at the Australian Open tennis tournament
Play has been suspended at the Australian Open as temperatures rocketed to a sizzling 41C.
Matches on the outer courts at Melbourne Park have been called to a halt on day four of the tournament due to the stifling heat.
telegraph.co.uk
Letting the mist cool you down: Jerzy Janowicz at Australian Open 2014 enjoys being cooled by the mist from a fan in Melbourne
Image via telegraph.co.ukThe weather forced organisers to enact the third stage of their "Extreme Heat Policy" for the first time at about 1.50pm local time.
"FINALLY!!!! Play suspended because of the heat... Heat policy should have been in 2 days ago already.. #burning #crazy #nothealthy," tweeted Belgian player Kirsten Flipkens.
mirror.co.uk
The excruciating heat at this year’s Australian Open has caused water bottles to melt, Canadian Frank Dancevic to faint, and — yes, you guessed it — eggs to fry.
Image via twimg.comCanadian Frank Dancevic and a ball boy both fainted on court, three players withdrew mid-match because of the effects of the heat and spectators left in their droves.
telegraph.co.uk
Feeling the heat: A fan shelters from the sun on day four of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia
Players held ice towels against their faces in an attempt to cool down
The temperature at the ongoing Grand Slam event was recorded at 42 degree celsius
Image via intoday.inTennis fans rest indoors after play was suspended due to 'extreme' heat on day four of the Australian Open tournament, in Melbourne
The BBC is reporting that the 2013 was recently declared Australia's hottest year on record
The Climate Council report attributed the development to climate change, caused by greenhouse gases.
Fire bans are in place across the states of Victoria and South Australia, as firefighters battle bushfires.
In Victoria, several fire emergency warnings have been issued, as fires in the Northern Grampians area merged into one "out of control" bushfire and residents were urged to evacuated.
telegraph.co.ukMeanwhile, an interim report from the Climate Council said the number of heatwaves in Australia was "projected to increase significantly"
"Both the duration and frequency of heatwaves" had increased between 1971 and 2008, it said.
"As greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels, more heat is trapped in the lower atmosphere," the report added.
Forecasters say the extreme heat in much of south-eastern Australia is not expected to ease until the weekend
Image via bbcimg.co.uk"This increases the likelihood that hot weather will occur and that heatwaves will become longer and more intense." In the South Australian capital, Adelaide, temperatures were forecast to reach 46C, nearing the city's record of 46.1C.
intoday.inVictoria Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said earlier on Thursday: "A thousand fires have been reported over the past 24 hours and 39 of those are still listed as going"
South Australia fire services co-ordinator Leigh Miller said some firefighters had started to develop "heat exhaustion-type issues".
"Fighting fires in 40 odd degrees weather with little sleep is a real problem for us."
bloomberg.com
Friday is expected to bring horrific conditions for fire crews, with strong gusts and a wind change forecast before a cool front arrives
"It's the worst scenario possible but it's a reality," said fire commissioner Craig Lapsley. "It's forecast for tomorrow."
google.com
Firefighters try to contain wildfires in the Stoneville area, a suburb east of Perth in the state of Western Australia on January 12, 2014
Image via google.comMeanwhile, workers at Melbourne zoo have come up with novel ways to keep the zoo animals cool
Wilbert the 100-year-old giant tortoise found help from keeper Kirstie Lawrence, who fed him cold watermelon and gave him a refreshing hose down.
express.co.uk
Meanwhile, the orangutans found relief by enjoying a cool bubble bath, and eating frozen bananas.
stuff.co.nz
More pictures from the zoo
Honey the Syrian brown bear cools off before eating frozen block of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and strawberry topping at Melbourne Zoo.
Image via stuff.co.nz