Fierce Winds and Record Heat Strike Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are grappling with severe weather as meteorological agencies warn of worsening winds and heat. New Zealand could see gusts up to 150 km/h, impacting firefighting efforts against wildfires. Australia faces extreme heat potentially breaking records, prompting concerns over elevated fire danger.

Australia and New Zealand are bracing for destructive weather conditions this week as meteorological agencies issue warnings of intensifying winds and heat.

In New Zealand, MetService forecasts gusts reaching 150 kilometers an hour along the South Island's east coast and up to 140 kilometers per hour around Wellington on Thursday. The public is urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for potential power and communication outages following Tuesday's severe winds and rain, which led to one fatality and widespread power cuts in Wellington.

The severe weather challenges firefighting efforts in New Zealand, with wildfires near Kaikoura and Hawke's Bay exacerbated by strong winds. Fourteen buildings, including five homes, have been destroyed near Kaikoura. Meanwhile, Australia faces extreme heat in central regions, with Sydney forecast to hit 39 degrees Celsius, raising fire danger concerns.