Australia Heatwave Fuels Bushfire Threat as Melbourne Braces for Hottest Day in 17 Years

A major heatwave sweeping across southeastern Australia has sharply increased bushfire risks, with Melbourne forecast to record its hottest day in nearly 17 years on Tuesday. Authorities have ordered hundreds of residents in rural communities to evacuate immediately.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures in Melbourne could reach 45 degrees Celsius, with severe to extreme heatwave conditions expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday before easing later in the week.

The intense heat has heightened fire danger across Victoria, the country’s second-most populous state. A fast-moving bushfire in the Otways region has already burned about 10,000 hectares, and officials warned that strong winds later in the day could cause the blaze to spread rapidly and threaten homes.

“It’s the change coming through around 5 p.m., with some really punchy winds, that’s likely to do most of the damage and drive the fire further,” Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan told ABC News.

Emergency services have door-knocked approximately 1,100 homes and sent evacuation alerts to around 10,000 mobile phones, urging residents to leave affected areas.

Total fire bans have been declared across Victoria as authorities work to reduce the risk of new outbreaks.

Organizers of the Australian Open in Melbourne said matches on outside courts and roof closures would follow extreme heat protocols, while wheelchair matches have been postponed until Wednesday.

In inland communities, temperatures are expected to climb into the high 40s. The town of Ouyen, about 440 kilometers northwest of Melbourne, is forecast to reach 49 degrees Celsius, according to the weather bureau.

Local butcher Nathan Grayling told ABC Radio he planned to keep his shop as dark and cool as possible, with most residents staying indoors.

“If we get everything done, we might knock off early and go down to the local pub for a beer,” Grayling said.