Australia, get ready! 🌡️🔥
After experiencing the warmest August in recorded history, authorities are warning that the bushfire season is likely to start sooner than usual. The heat is on, and it's time to prepare!
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) just released their official seasonal bushfire outlook for spring 2024, and it's a scorcher. Regions across Queensland, the Northern Territory, Victoria, and South Australia are facing an increased risk of fires during this season, which kicked off on September 1 and runs through to the end of November.
The outlook, put together by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), points to an increased likelihood of unusually high spring temperatures across most of the country. Looks like the heatwaves are here to stay! 🌞
What's fueling the fire risk?
- Northern Australia: Dry grasslands are a major concern. Unseasonal rainfall earlier in the year led to lush growth, but dry winter winds have turned that growth into fuel for fires.
- Southern Australia: With rainfall hitting the lowest 10% on record for the first half of 2024, there's an abundance of dead and dry plant material ready to ignite.
Time to Take Action 🏃♀️🏃♂️
AFAC Chief Executive Rob Webb is urging everyone to get a game plan. \"Fire and emergency services are prepared for the fire season ahead and are here today to encourage communities to do the same,\" he said at the AFAC annual conference in Sydney.
His advice? \"Now is the time to make a plan. Understand your local risk, know where you will get your information, and talk to your family about what you will do.\"
Record-Breaking Heat Continues 🔥🌡️
The BoM confirmed that August was Australia's hottest on record, with average temperatures a sizzling 3.03 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. And according to their spring forecast released in late August, the trend of warmer-than-average temperatures is expected to continue across every state and territory.
Stay Safe and Stay Informed! 📱💡
With the early start to the bushfire season, it's crucial to stay updated. Follow local authorities, download emergency apps, and make sure you and your loved ones are prepared. Let's keep each other safe, mates! 🇦🇺❤️
Reference(s):
Authorities warn of likely early start to Australian bushfire season
cgtn.com
