El Niño raises Australia’s bushfire risk as spring approaches
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Australia is heading into a higher-risk bushfire season, with most states and territories expected to face increased fire danger this spring.
The latest seasonal outlook from the Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) shows elevated risk across every jurisdiction except the ACT.
Dry conditions across parts of eastern Australia and heavy vegetation growth in central and northern regions are contributing to the higher risk.
Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory all have areas facing increased fire danger.
The Northern Territory could receive above-average spring rainfall, but large fuel loads are still raising the risk. Parts of Western Australia also face elevated danger despite forecasts for wetter conditions because of dry soils and abundant vegetation.
Southern Victoria and eastern Tasmania are among the areas affected by below-average rainfall. Higher fire risk is also expected across south-east Queensland, north-eastern NSW and north-west South Australia.
The outlook comes as El Niño strengthens, raising concerns about warmer and drier conditions, particularly across eastern and southern Australia. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole could also develop, potentially adding to the dry conditions.
Fire scientist Professor David Bowman warned that recent vegetation growth could quickly dry out during periods of extreme heat.
Climate change is also contributing to longer and earlier fire seasons, increasing the potential for intense bushfires.
AFAC chief executive Rob Webb urged communities to prepare early and understand their local risks.
Experts say Australians should not wait for the fire season to begin before preparing. Even areas with a normal seasonal outlook can experience dangerous bushfires.
Stay tuned with Aus News Lanka – the leading platform for news for Australians.
Source : ABC News
Comments