In a devastating turn of events, bushfires have erupted across the Central Coast of Australia, particularly in Koolewong, just north of Sydney. With temperatures soaring to record highs, residents are facing an emergency situation as flames engulf homes and threaten communities. The Rural Fire Service has issued urgent warnings for residents to evacuate as fires continue to spread unchecked. Images from the area depict a chaotic scene with flames sweeping through bushland and smoke billowing into the sky.
Central Coast Counselor Jared Wright expressed concern for the affected families, stating, "Six homes on the Central Coast are now on fire, and the thoughts of the entire region are with those families at this time.”
The Kwong fire has already halted train services along the central coast and Newcastle line, leaving commuters stranded and seeking alternative transport options.
In addition to Kolong, another bush fire near Biladella has reportedly destroyed at least one home and has burned through over 2,600 hectares of land. Firefighters are battling to contain the flames, but strong winds and dry conditions are complicating their efforts.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has warned that embers could ignite new fires far ahead of the main blaze, posing an immediate threat to homes and properties. Residents are urged to evacuate to safer areas if possible, as conditions may worsen rapidly.
The fires near MAB has been a crucial tool for residents, providing real-time updates and safety advice. As the heat wave continues, temperatures in Sydney are projected to reach up to 41°, marking one of the hottest days in years. A total fireban is in effect as the rural fire service works to contain multiple fires across the region.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a high pressure system is responsible for the extreme heat with hot dry winds exacerbating the situation. As the community rallies together to support those affected, the impact of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events remain pressing concerns. With the situation still developing, authorities are calling for vigilance and preparedness as they work to manage the ongoing crisis. That's all for this story. END
VIDEO 2 ABC Australia PBS
TRANSCRIPT
Temperatures soared above 40° in parts of Sydney today, but a cold front is expected to bring a cooler change to the weather by the end of the weekend. It's the first taste of what's likely to be a hot summer. Beaches in Bondi and further north in Newcastle packed with beachgoers during the first heatwave of the summer. Very, very hot. So, it makes you wonder what we're in for. I think I already got a sunburn on my way walking in here.
As the heat lingered, Mount Druit was one of the hottest suburbs in Sydney today. And many other inland locations saw temperatures in excess of 40°. Most of the state is still under an extreme fire danger rating with total fire bans in place across nine areas. The day's heat prompting an earlier than anticipated reopening for Penri Beach. As soon as we found out that that mercury was going to hit 40 and said 24 hours, surely we can do this.
More than 300,000 people visited the popular Western Sydney Lake in the last 2 years. Over the peak season of summer from today through to the 1st of March. We're opening additional hours. But looking ahead, a cooler change is forecast to bring some relief tomorrow. It's going to be a strong and gusty change. Much cooler as well. Likely to see quick temperature drops as well behind that. Welcome news as the heat continues to dial up. Digby ABC News Sydney. END
VIDEO 3
In a devastating turn of events, bushfires have erupted across the Central Coast of Australia, particularly in Koolewong, just north of Sydney. With temperatures soaring to record highs, residents are facing an emergency situation as flames engulf homes and threaten communities. The Rural Fire Service has issued urgent warnings for residents to evacuate as fires continue to spread unchecked. Images from the area depict a chaotic scene with flames sweeping through bushland and smoke billowing into the sky.
Central Coast Counselor Jared Wright expressed concern for the affected families, stating, "Six homes on the Central Coast are now on fire, and the thoughts of the entire region are with those families at this time.”
The Kwong fire has already halted train services along the central coast and Newcastle line, leaving commuters stranded and seeking alternative transport options.
In addition to Kolong, another bush fire near Biladella has reportedly destroyed at least one home and has burned through over 2,600 hectares of land. Firefighters are battling to contain the flames, but strong winds and dry conditions are complicating their efforts.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has warned that embers could ignite new fires far ahead of the main blaze, posing an immediate threat to homes and properties. Residents are urged to evacuate to safer areas if possible, as conditions may worsen rapidly.
The fires near MAB has been a crucial tool for residents, providing real-time updates and safety advice. As the heat wave continues, temperatures in Sydney are projected to reach up to 41°, marking one of the hottest days in years. A total fireban is in effect as the rural fire service works to contain multiple fires across the region.
Brace yourself, Australia. A scorching heat wave is set to sweep across the nation. And it's not just about sweating through the weekend. But here's where it gets controversial. While La Nina is typically associated with cooler, wetter weather, this summer is defying expectations with above average temperatures and dry conditions. Why? And what does this mean for the future of our climate? Let's dive in.
Large parts of Australia from the Pilbura to Sydney are bracing for heatwave conditions this weekend. Meanwhile, hot, dry, and windy weather is fueling extreme fire danger in Victoria and New South Wales, NSW.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for low severity heat waves across NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. A stark reminder that even a La Nina year can't shield us from the heat. And this is the part most people miss.
A heat wave isn't just declared when it's hot. Temperatures must remain unusually high for at least three consecutive days. For instance, Melbourne hit 34° on Thursday, cooling to 26 on Friday, while Sydney soared to 37.3° on Friday, with Saturday expected to reach 37° before a cool change. Out west, it's even hotter with Penrith hitting 40° and Liverpool and Castle Hill reaching 39°. The region in Western Australia is set to face extreme conditions on Sunday with temperatures climbing into the high 30s and mid-40s.
Fire danger in Victoria should ease by late Friday, but NSW will remain at risk until Sunday, particularly in Sydney, the Ilawa, and Shaw Haven. Bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully warns that any fires will be tough to control due to gusty winds pushing north from Victoria into eastern and inland NSW.
Here's the kicker. Thunderstorms are expected across northern Victoria and much of NSW on Saturday, but they'll bring little rainfall. Instead, they could trigger dry lightning, further escalating fire risks. Weather Zone meteorologist Ben Domenino explains that the atmosphere is too dry for widespread storms, making them scattered and fast moving. The real threats, damaging winds and dry lightning that could ignite bush or grass fires.
While heat waves in summer aren't unusual, the cold front sweeping through southeastern Australia on Saturday will drop temperatures 6 to 8° below average with potential snow in Victorian alpine areas. But don't let that fool you. The long-term outlook is alarming. The National Climate Risk Assessment warns that heatwave related deaths could skyrocket by 444% in Sydney and 259% in Melbourne if global temperatures rise by 3° above pre-industrial levels.
Even under the Paris Agreement's aspirational 1.5° target, the outlook remains grim. A recent study in environmental research climate found that the speed at which we reach net zero will determine the intensity, duration, and frequency of heat waves for the next millennium. Bold claim alert. Delaying net zero by just 5 to 10 years could lock in drastically different and worse heatwave regimes globally.
Lead researcher, Professor Sarah Perkins Kirkpatrick notes that heat waves over Australia will continue to intensify for at least 1,000 years, even after net zero is achieved. Dr. Andrew King adds that adapting to this reality will be a centuries long process, not a quick fix.
The societal costs are already staggering. Aman Waterford, CEO of the Committee for Sydney, reveals that extreme heat costs Western Sydney over $1 billion annually in health and productivity losses projected to rise to $6 billion by midcentury. From shutdowns on construction sites to train line disruptions, the impacts are far reaching.
But Waterford offers hope. We can adapt by prioritizing urban greening, ensuring access to water bodies, and designing heat resilient infrastructure. Now, the million-dollar question. Is this dry la nino a one-off or a sign of things to come? Dr. Aga Santoso explains that this la nina is weak, likely overshadowed by other climate drivers and ongoing global warming. However, its combination with marine heat waves could lead to intense downpours when rain does arrive. As Australia sweats through another heat wave, the conversation around climate action grows more urgent. Are we doing enough to prevent a hotter, more dangerous future? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments, END
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