Parts of Australia are bracing for “catastrophic” fire conditions on Friday, the highest possible danger rating, as a severe heatwave sweeps across most of the country.
Severe to extreme heatwave warnings are in effect for every state and territory except Queensland, with high temperatures forecast to persist for days.
In the state of Victoria, authorities have declared a total fire ban for Friday and will close roughly 450 schools and childcare centres as a precaution.
One meteorologist warned the BBC that the combination of intense heat and dry conditions could create the most significant fire threat since the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020.
By James Kisoo
