Severe Heatwave Hits Australia as Temperatures Near 50°C

**Canberra:** Australia is currently experiencing an **intense and prolonged heatwave**, with temperatures in several regions approaching record highs. On Tuesday, some areas recorded temperatures close to **50°C (122°F)**, severely affecting daily life.

According to ABC News, the rural towns of **Hopetoun and Walpeup in Victoria** recorded initial temperatures of **48.9°C**, which, if confirmed, would surpass the 2009 record when devastating bushfires in the state claimed **173 lives**. While no casualties have been reported during this heatwave, authorities in Victoria have urged citizens to exercise caution as **three uncontrolled bushfires** continue to burn across the state.

**Melbourne**, the state’s largest city, also experienced one of its **hottest days on record**. Crowds at the **Australian Open Tennis Tournament** thinned dramatically, especially outside Melbourne Park, as extreme heat made outdoor conditions dangerous. Tournament organizers implemented **emergency measures**, closing retractable roofs on main stadiums and **postponing matches** on outdoor courts without roofs. During the quarterfinal match between **Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic**, players were seen using **ice packs on their heads and portable fans** to cope with the scorching sun. Photographers were provided **cushions** and cameras were covered with towels to prevent equipment damage or burns. Spectators were forced to **stand in front of large misting fans** or seek shelter in air-conditioned areas.

Attendance at the tournament also dropped sharply. While about **50,000 spectators** attended the Monday session, numbers fell to **21,000 on Tuesday**, as people heeded official health warnings and opted to stay indoors.

The **Bureau of Meteorology** has predicted a slight **temperature drop on Wednesday**, but the heatwave is expected to persist **through the weekend**. This comes after an earlier severe heatwave this month, marking one of the **hottest summers in Australia’s history**. On Monday, several regions in **New South Wales and South Australia** also recorded **record-breaking temperatures**, surpassing the 2019 summer heat that fueled catastrophic bushfires.