Fierce winds and soaring spring temperatures swept across Australia and New Zealand this week, igniting and intensifying wildfires that have already forced evacuations, destroyed homes, and broken long-standing temperature records.
According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, a powerful wave of hot air developed over the country’s outback earlier this week and surged toward the southeast, bringing an early-season spring heatwave. Authorities in New South Wales (NSW) — the nation’s most populous state — have declared multiple total fire bans as gusts reached up to 100 kph, creating extreme bushfire conditions.
As of Wednesday, 36 fires were actively burning across NSW, with nine still uncontained. Nearly 2,000 properties have already lost power as emergency services battle to bring the situation under control.
In Sydney, the heat was relentless — temperatures soared above 37°C in the city’s center and nearly hit 40°C in the western suburbs of Penrith and Bankstown, breaking historical October heat records.
“It is still spring and we are seeing these incredibly warm temperatures,” said Angus Hines, a senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology.
On Bondi Beach, visitors sought relief but were met by searing winds instead. “It’s really hot and what surprised me is the temperature of the wind. There’s no cooling effect — it’s just heat upon heat,” said Tony Evans, a retiree from England.
The fire season, typically running from November through February, appears to have arrived early — a worrying signal of intensifying climate patterns in the southern hemisphere.
Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand faced its own weather emergency. Authorities issued rare “red level” wind warnings, reserved for only the most dangerous events. Wildfires near Kaikoura in the South Island and Hawke’s Bay in the North Island have already destroyed several structures, including five homes.
The Canterbury region declared a state of emergency as winds strengthened, with forecasts predicting gusts up to 150 kph along the South Island’s east coast and 140 kph near Wellington. Heavy rainfall is expected to follow, increasing risks of flooding and landslides.
Even the corporate world was affected — Ingka Group, parent company of IKEA, confirmed that some pine forests intended for furniture production were damaged but assured that the global supply chain remains unaffected.
Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for possible power and communication outages as the severe weather continues.
