Australia battle extreme heatwave as Ouyen likely to be one of the hottest places on Earth today; Forecasters predict 49 degrees celsius temperature for north-west Victorian town

Australia is facing an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring across the country. The north-west Victorian town of Ouyen is expected to be one of the hottest places on Earth today, as forecasters predict a staggering 49 degrees Celsius, reported ABC News. Authorities have issued heat warnings, urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours. According to ABC News, Victoria is set to endure its most intense heatwave since the Black Summer bushfires of 2009, while towns in New South Wales and South Australia could see temperatures climb as high as 48°C.

A statewide total fire ban remained in effect as six major blazes raged across Victoria, with three reported as out of control by Tuesday afternoon, reported The Guardian. Emergency services confirmed that three properties had been lost. A new fire near Larralea sparked significant concern, prompting the issuance of an emergency warning for the area.



“That fire is burning in a south-easterly direction, and we’ve had 40 tankers respond to that,” said the Country Fire Authority’s deputy chief officer, Rohan Luke, as quoted by The Guardian.

Authorities have ordered immediate evacuation for four zones surrounding the Carlisle River fire. Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan warned that the greatest bushfire threat is expected on Tuesday afternoon.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Kristy Johnson told ABC News that this could be one of the most intense heatwaves on record.

"If we do get that 49C at Ouyen, then that could be a new state record for Victoria," Kristy said.

"Mildura, in north-west Victoria, has never had more than four days in a row of temperatures over 43 degrees, but we're forecasting about six days in a row," she said.

Updated forecasts on Monday predict Mildura could hit 49°C, two degrees above its all-time record, reported ABC News. Melbourne is expected to reach 44°C, marking its hottest day since Black Saturday, when Australia’s deadliest bushfire claimed 173 lives.