THE TELEGRAPH: An intense heatwave that is gripping south-eastern Australia has caused at least 19 deaths, destroyed 11 homes and cut power to thousands of properties.
The states of South Australia and Victoria recorded temperatures above 109F (43C) on Friday. As the mercury rose, bushfires raged across eastern Victoria, fuelled by bone dry conditions and sweeping winds.
The "brutal" weather broke records in the city of Melbourne, which for the first time experienced three consecutive days above 109F (43C). At the hottest part of the day, the city suffered 113F (45.1C). And the temperatures failed to fall art night, with residents attempting to sleep through 100F (38C) 107F heat.
Sweltering temperatures also hit the usually-temperate island of Tasmania, which had its hottest day on record, reaching 107F (42.2C). >>> By Bonnie Malkin in Sydney | Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – Australia) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback – Australia) >>>
