Australia issues heatwave warnings during national day celebrations

Australian authorities have issued heatwave warnings across most of the country as millions celebrate Australia Day, marking the arrival of Britain’s First Fleet on Jan. 26, 1788, an event that began the era of colonization, the BBC reported.

According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, temperatures in Victoria and South Australia could surpass 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities have urged people to stay cool indoors when possible and to keep heat out of homes by closing windows and curtains. South Australia recorded a high of 48.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday, prompting fire danger warnings.

Some Australia Day events, including a parade and light show in Adelaide, were canceled for safety reasons. Organizers said the decision was made to protect public safety and well-being.

Heatwave warnings are also in effect for New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, with many expected to remain in place until Wednesday.

Victoria’s emergency management commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, said the state has not experienced similar heatwave conditions in nearly 20 years, noting that the situation resembles the period before the 2009 bushfires.

The extreme heat has also affected the Australian Open in Melbourne. Play was paused after player Jannik Sinner suffered cramps during a match, and nearly 80,000 spectators were advised to take precautions.

In contrast, the U.S. is dealing with a powerful winter storm that hit a large swath of the country, causing road accidents, power outages and bitter cold.