Australia Sizzles in Blistering Heat Wave with Temperatures as High as 120 Degrees
As the world grappled with bitter cold temperatures, parts of Australia sweltered under a prolonged heat wave that pushed temperatures to record-breaking highs. The scorching sun left its mark on the country's largest city, Melbourne, and the Australian Open tennis tournament, forcing organizers to enact extreme heat protocols.Record-Breaking Temperatures
Parts of Australia sweltered in record temperatures of close to 122 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday as the country sweated through a prolonged heat wave. The rural towns of Hopetoun and Walpeup in Victoria state registered preliminary highs of 120 degrees, which if confirmed overnight would top records set on the day in 2009 when 173 people were killed in the state's devastating Black Saturday bushfires.
Heat Wave Brings Chaos to Melbourne
Nowhere perhaps was the searing heat more evident than at Melbourne Park, where the usual crowds thronging outside the Australian Open tennis tournament dwindled to a ghost town as temperatures soared. Inside, organizers enacted extreme heat protocols, forcing closure of the retractable roofs over the main arenas and postponement of matches on the uncovered outer courts.
Players and Staff Feel the Heat
During Tuesday's quarterfinal between Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic - the last match played under scorching sun - the players held ice packs to their heads and portable fans to their faces during breaks in play. Photographers shooting the match were supplied with cushions by organizers to avoid heat-related injuries when they sat down, while others covered their cameras with towels to prevent them from malfunctioning or burning their hands.
No Casualties Reported, but Authorities Urge Caution
No casualties were reported from Tuesday's heat wave, but Victoria authorities urged caution as three forest fires burned out of control. Melbourne, the state's largest city, also came close to its hottest day.
As Australia continues to sweat through this prolonged heat wave, it serves as a stark reminder of the country's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions. The record-breaking temperatures and chaos caused by the heat wave highlight the need for effective measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure public safety.
