Australia swelters in record heatwave: Temperatures near 50C
- Melbourne, Australia - The Australian Open is battling extreme heat, forcing organizers to take measures to protect players and fans alike.
- Photographers were provided with cushions to prevent heat-related injuries and covered their equipment with towels to shield it from the intense temperatures.
- Attendance figures reflected the extreme conditions.While Monday's daytime session drew 50,000 spectators, Tuesday's attendance fell to 21,000 as more people chose to stay home following official health advisories.
Parts of Australia sweltered in record temperatures of close too 50C on Tuesday as the country sweated through a prolonged heat wave.
The rural towns of Hopetoun and Walpeup in Victoria state registered preliminary highs of 48.9C, wich if confirmed overnight would top records set on the day in 2009 when 173 people were killed in the state’s devastating Black Saturday bushfires.
No casualties were reported from Tuesday’s heat wave, but victoria authorities urged caution as three forest fires burned out of control.
Melbourne, Australia – The Australian Open is battling extreme heat, forcing organizers to take measures to protect players and fans alike. Temperatures soared this week, prompting health warnings and a noticeable dip in attendance.
Photographers were provided with cushions to prevent heat-related injuries and covered their equipment with towels to shield it from the intense temperatures. Fans sought relief from the heat by lining up for cooling misters or finding refuge in air-conditioned spaces within the venue.
Attendance figures reflected the extreme conditions.While Monday’s daytime session drew 50,000 spectators, Tuesday’s attendance fell to 21,000 as more people chose to stay home following official health advisories.