<p>As a severe heatwave pushes temperatures in several regions including Sydney, Australian officials on Tuesday warned of a soaring risk of bushfires. Temperatures, as per Reuters, are rising to reach their highest levels in two years. Currently, Australia's most populous state of New South Wales (NSW) has 33 active fires, 12 of which are yet to be contained. Due to the fires, five public schools have been shut, and a total fire ban is in place across large parts of the state.</p>

<p>On Monday, many regions in NSW recorded their hottest day since January 2021. In some places, temperatures hit more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). On Tuesday, temperatures are forecasted to reach mid-to-high 30 degrees Celsius. Conditions are expected to ease starting Thursday.</p>

<p>However, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned that hot and dry conditions, accompanied by gusty winds, will elevate fire danger levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-hottest-february-since-1901-imd-shares-forecast-from-march-to-may-567303">India records hottest February since 1901; IMD shares forecast from March to May</a></strong></p>

<p>"People have been really thinking and looking at floods over the last few years, they haven't really been thinking about their fire preparation," said NSW Rural Fire Service inspector Ben Shepherd while speaking to Sky News.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-unveil-new-law-that-deports-asylum-seekers-to-as-of-yet-unspecified-safe-third-countries-569382">UK to unveil new law that deports asylum seekers to as of yet unspecified 'safe third countries'</a></strong></p>

<p>Since late 2020, Australia has been going through rain and flood-dominated La Nina weather phenomenon. As per a weather bureau prediction from last week, it is&nbsp;"likely near its end" and the nation through autumn should witness neutral conditions — neither La Nina nor its opposite, El Nino.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As a severe heatwave pushes temperatures in several regions including Sydney, Australian officials on Tuesday warned of a soaring risk of bushfires. Temperatures, as per Reuters, are rising to reach their highest levels in two years.

As a severe heatwave pushes temperatures in several regions including Sydney, Australian officials on Tuesday warned of a soaring risk of bushfires. Temperatures, as per Reuters, are rising to reach their highest levels in two years. Currently, Australia's most populous state of New South Wales (NSW) has 33 active fires, 12 of which are yet to be contained. Due to the fires, five public schools have been shut, and a total fire ban is in place across large parts of the state. On Monday, many regions in NSW recorded their hottest day since January 2021. In some places, temperatures hit more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). On Tuesday, temperatures are forecasted to reach mid-to-high 30 degrees Celsius. Conditions are expected to ease starting Thursday. However, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned that hot and dry conditions, accompanied by gusty winds, will elevate fire danger levels. Also read | India records hottest February since 1901; IMD shares forecast from March to May "People have been really thinking and looking at floods over the last few years, they haven't really been thinking about their fire preparation," said NSW Rural Fire Service inspector Ben Shepherd while speaking to Sky News. Also read | UK to unveil new law that deports asylum seekers to as of yet unspecified 'safe third countries' Since late 2020, Australia has been going through rain and flood-dominated La Nina weather phenomenon. As per a weather bureau prediction from last week, it is "likely near its end" and the nation through autumn should witness neutral conditions — neither La Nina nor its opposite, El Nino. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australia faces bush fire threat as temperatures reach two-year high of 40°C

<p>Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-megablaze-brought-under-control-273841">bushfires ravaging the country</a> for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital.</p>

<p>Morrison said he wanted to set up a "legal framework that would allow the Commonwealth to declare a national state of emergency" before the next summer bushfire season, adding the chain of command between states and the federal government remained unclear.</p>

<p>Although he gave no details, the plan showed the conservative leader moving to head off criticism he was too slow to act when the seriousness of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-proposes-high-powered-inquiry-into-bushfires-response-273680">country's worst bushfire season</a> in a generation became apparent late last year.</p>

<p>Attacked by political opponents and media commentators for holidaying in Hawaii while the fires raged, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-scott-morrison-announces-new-recovery-agency-272334">Morrison </a>initially said the country's eight state and territory governments had the main oversight during natural disasters.</p>

<p>He later mobilised about 3,000 Australian Defence Force reservists to help regional communities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">affected by the fires</a>. "It has long been the case that state and territory governments have primary responsibility for protecting the life and property within their borders," Morrison said.</p>

<p><b>Also Read</b>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-ministers-approval-rating-singed-by-bushfires-273895">Australian Prime Minister's approval rating singed by bushfires</a></p>

<p>"The scale of the bushfires this season, not least their simultaneous reach across many borders, has demonstrated to me the limits of these arrangements," Morrison said in a speech in the capital, Canberra.</p>

<p><img alt="Scott Morrison" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="718272a9-03b3-49cb-b634-6b779f2924fa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_24.jpg" /><br />
<em>[ Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Courtesy: Reuters) ]</em></p>

<p>Just to the south of the city, authorities warned people to stay away from some regional areas due to a 10,000 hectare (25,000 acre) forest fire, although no suburbs of Canberra itself were under threat.</p>

<p>Over the summer, Canberra has regularly been shrouded in bushfire smoke that has put its air quality among the lowest-ranked in the world and prompted government agencies to ask employees to stay home.</p>

<p>A week ago, the city's airport was closed briefly when bushfire burned near its edges. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Canberra will be at the centre of a heatwave that will put the city's temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for several days.</p>

<p>Since September, bushfires in Australia have killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals, while 2,500 homes and a wilderness area the size of Greece have been destroyed, prompting critics to accuse Morrison of not doing enough to cut the country's carbon emissions.</p>

<p>Morrison said Australia should adapt to changing weather patterns that would make bushfires more frequent, but "when it comes to practical safety of people living in bushfire zones, hazard reduction is even more important than emissions reduction".<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned bushfires ravaging the country for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned bushfires ravaging the country for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital. Morrison said he wanted to set up a "legal framework that would allow the Commonwealth to declare a national state of emergency" before the next summer bushfire season, adding the chain of command between states and the federal government remained unclear. Although he gave no details, the plan showed the conservative leader moving to head off criticism he was too slow to act when the seriousness of the country's worst bushfire season in a generation became apparent late last year. Attacked by political opponents and media commentators for holidaying in Hawaii while the fires raged, Morrison initially said the country's eight state and territory governments had the main oversight during natural disasters. He later mobilised about 3,000 Australian Defence Force reservists to help regional communities affected by the fires. "It has long been the case that state and territory governments have primary responsibility for protecting the life and property within their borders," Morrison said. Also Read: Australian Prime Minister's approval rating singed by bushfires "The scale of the bushfires this season, not least their simultaneous reach across many borders, has demonstrated to me the limits of these arrangements," Morrison said in a speech in the capital, Canberra. [ Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Just to the south of the city, authorities warned people to stay away from some regional areas due to a 10,000 hectare (25,000 acre) forest fire, although no suburbs of Canberra itself were under threat. Over the summer, Canberra has regularly been shrouded in bushfire smoke that has put its air quality among the lowest-ranked in the world and prompted government agencies to ask employees to stay home. A week ago, the city's airport was closed briefly when bushfire burned near its edges. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Canberra will be at the centre of a heatwave that will put the city's temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for several days. Since September, bushfires in Australia have killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals, while 2,500 homes and a wilderness area the size of Greece have been destroyed, prompting critics to accuse Morrison of not doing enough to cut the country's carbon emissions. Morrison said Australia should adapt to changing weather patterns that would make bushfires more frequent, but "when it comes to practical safety of people living in bushfire zones, hazard reduction is even more important than emissions reduction".

Australian PM seeks greater federal powers to protect the nation from threatening bushfires

<p>The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wta-auckland-open-williams-breaks-three-year-title-drought-to-win-273787">WTA Auckland Open: Williams breaks three-year title drought to win</a></p>

<p>She will also auction the clothes that she wore throughout the competition with her autograph on it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bushfire-cricket-bash-ricky-ponting-and-shane-warne-to-come-out-of-retirement-to-raise-funds-273874">Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds</a></p>

<p>World number 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../federer-and-zverev-mexico-city-match-breaks- world-attendance-record-264207">Roger Federer</a>, said he would donate to the Australia bushfires appeal on Monday after tennis players pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to the disaster relief fund.</p>

<p>The Swiss great, who has been criticized by environmental activists including Greta Thunberg over a sponsor's links to fossil fuel investments, said he would donate at a charity match on Wednesday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Since 2016 <a href="https://twitter.com/CreditSuisse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CreditSuisse</a> has provided $57 BILLION&nbsp;to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits - something that is utterly incompatible with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateAction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateAction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerFederer</a> do you endorse this? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RogerWakeUpNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RogerWakeUpNow</a> <a href="https://t.co/ED1fIvb4Cr">pic.twitter.com/ED1fIvb4Cr</a></p>
— 350.org Europe (@350Europe) <a href="https://twitter.com/350Europe/status/1214843923329363970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"If anyone can chip in, that's great because it's nice to show solidarity and help in a situation, which has become quite incredible in this country," Federer, 38, said at a publicity event in Melbourne.</p>

<p>"We need to look for prevention in the future, that this doesn't happen to this extent again because there will always be fires as I understand. This country is much, much too big," added the world number three.</p>

<p>Federer, Serena Williams, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../nadals-spain-to-meet-djokovics-serbia-in-atp- cup-final-273650">Rafael Nadal</a> will headline Wednesday's exhibition at Melbourne Park, which will the Australian Open Grand Slam from January 20.</p>

<p>Tennis players have been quick to respond to the bushfire crisis, which has left at least 27 people dead, burned an area the size of South Korea and prompted a surge in concern over global warming.</p>

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<p>Players on the men's tour have donated US$725,000, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Sunday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to the <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a> players for their positive impact ❤️<br />
<br />
A $725,000 donation was made to <a href="https://twitter.com/WWF_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWF_Australia</a> and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. <a href="https://t.co/ORfRDydzQM">pic.twitter.com/ORfRDydzQM</a></p>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216449771692363777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I'll also be making a donation personally myself on Wednesday," said Federer, a six-time winner of the Australian Open.</p>

<p>"This country has given me everything and more in the past so it's only but normal for me to help us well."</p>

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<p>Over the weekend, Federer promised to talk to his sponsors after environmentalists criticised his relationship with Credit Suisse, which they say has loaned billions of dollars to the fossil fuels industry.</p>

<p>Federer said he was "grateful to young climate activists for pushing us all to examine our behaviours" after the criticism was retweeted by Swedish teenager Thunberg, a prominent eco-warrior.</p>

<p>"I appreciate reminders of my responsibility as a private individual, as an athlete, and as an entrepreneur, and I'm committed to using this privileged position to dialogue on important issues with my sponsors," he said in a statement that was widely quoted by media.</p>

<p>(with inputs from AFP)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia. After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord.

The whole tennis world is coming together to help the relief workers in Australia. After Serena Williams, incredible gesture towards Australian Bushfire after winning the Auckland Open, where she donated the entire winning amount (US$43,000) to the relief efforts seems to have struck a chord. Also read: WTA Auckland Open: Williams breaks three-year title drought to win She will also auction the clothes that she wore throughout the competition with her autograph on it. Also read: Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds World number 3, Roger Federer, said he would donate to the Australia bushfires appeal on Monday after tennis players pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to the disaster relief fund. The Swiss great, who has been criticized by environmental activists including Greta Thunberg over a sponsor's links to fossil fuel investments, said he would donate at a charity match on Wednesday. Since 2016 @CreditSuisse has provided $57 BILLION to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits - something that is utterly incompatible with #ClimateAction @RogerFederer do you endorse this? #RogerWakeUpNow pic.twitter.com/ED1fIvb4Cr — 350.org Europe (@350Europe) January 8, 2020 × "If anyone can chip in, that's great because it's nice to show solidarity and help in a situation, which has become quite incredible in this country," Federer, 38, said at a publicity event in Melbourne. "We need to look for prevention in the future, that this doesn't happen to this extent again because there will always be fires as I understand. This country is much, much too big," added the world number three. Federer, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal will headline Wednesday's exhibition at Melbourne Park, which will the Australian Open Grand Slam from January 20. Tennis players have been quick to respond to the bushfire crisis, which has left at least 27 people dead, burned an area the size of South Korea and prompted a surge in concern over global warming. × Players on the men's tour have donated US$725,000, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Sunday. Thank you to the @atptour players for their positive impact ❤️ A $725,000 donation was made to @WWF_Australia and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. pic.twitter.com/ORfRDydzQM — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 × "I'll also be making a donation personally myself on Wednesday," said Federer, a six-time winner of the Australian Open. "This country has given me everything and more in the past so it's only but normal for me to help us well." × Over the weekend, Federer promised to talk to his sponsors after environmentalists criticised his relationship with Credit Suisse, which they say has loaned billions of dollars to the fossil fuels industry. Federer said he was "grateful to young climate activists for pushing us all to examine our behaviours" after the criticism was retweeted by Swedish teenager Thunberg, a prominent eco-warrior. "I appreciate reminders of my responsibility as a private individual, as an athlete, and as an entrepreneur, and I'm committed to using this privileged position to dialogue on important issues with my sponsors," he said in a statement that was widely quoted by media. (with inputs from AFP)

Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires

<p>Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires. Nearly 2000 houses have been destroyed.</p>

<p>As the damage assessment begins, donations have poured in from across the globe.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fierce-wildfires-fuelled-by-searing-temperatures-new-blazes-and-high-winds-in-australia-271558">Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage</a></p>

<p>Australian cricketing legends Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne have decided to temporarily come out of retirement and play a fund-raiser T20 match called the 'Bushfire Cricket Bash'.<br />
<br />
The star-studded match is going to be played as a curtain-raiser to the Big Bash League's finals which will be held on February 8. Looking at the points table where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../melbourne-stars-marcus-stoinis-becomes- highest-run-getter-in-big-bash-league-after-smashing-147-runs-against-sixe...">Melbourne Stars</a> and Sydney Sixers are trying to book the top spot, predictions are that the final could be played in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bushfire-shane-warnes-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-over-a1-million-273347">Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman</a></p>

<p>Shane Warne's baggy green cap broke records, he took to twitter to thank his bidder.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid &amp; a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/vyVcA7NfGs">pic.twitter.com/vyVcA7NfGs</a></p>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1215413839614763008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;These big grounds are likely to attract a massive crowd. The two teams will be led by Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne. The venue will be confirmed on January 31 after the confirmation of the Top Two finalists.<br />
<br />
It is not the first time Cricket Australia has worked for a cause, in a Boxing Day tsunami charity match in January 2005 that attracted a crowd of 70,101 to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they&nbsp;raised A$14.5 million.<br />
<br />
The unpredictable fire rage has burnt more than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land and continues to spread despite volunteer firefighters stepping in.&nbsp;Australia's economy has faced a major setback.</p>

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<p><br />
'The Bushfire Cricket Bash' is going to feature players like Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Alex Blackwell, and Micheal Clarke. Steve Waugh and Mel Jones will be involved but in a non-playing capacity.<br />
<br />
Alex Blackwell had&nbsp;just retired months ago from the Women's Big Bash League.<br />
<br />
Australia’s women’s team will begin the day with a T20I clash against India at the Junction Oval, this contest will be followed by the Bushfire Cricket Bash, and then Big Bash League finals will be played.<br />
<br />
“It is going to be a huge and special day. It’s nice to be part of it,” Ponting told reporters on Sunday.</p>


Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires.

Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires. Nearly 2000 houses have been destroyed. As the damage assessment begins, donations have poured in from across the globe. Also see: Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage Australian cricketing legends Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne have decided to temporarily come out of retirement and play a fund-raiser T20 match called the 'Bushfire Cricket Bash'. The star-studded match is going to be played as a curtain-raiser to the Big Bash League's finals which will be held on February 8. Looking at the points table where Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers are trying to book the top spot, predictions are that the final could be played in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Also read: Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman Shane Warne's baggy green cap broke records, he took to twitter to thank his bidder. Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vyVcA7NfGs — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 9, 2020 × These big grounds are likely to attract a massive crowd. The two teams will be led by Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne. The venue will be confirmed on January 31 after the confirmation of the Top Two finalists. It is not the first time Cricket Australia has worked for a cause, in a Boxing Day tsunami charity match in January 2005 that attracted a crowd of 70,101 to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they raised A$14.5 million. The unpredictable fire rage has burnt more than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land and continues to spread despite volunteer firefighters stepping in. Australia's economy has faced a major setback. × 'The Bushfire Cricket Bash' is going to feature players like Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Alex Blackwell, and Micheal Clarke. Steve Waugh and Mel Jones will be involved but in a non-playing capacity. Alex Blackwell had just retired months ago from the Women's Big Bash League. Australia’s women’s team will begin the day with a T20I clash against India at the Junction Oval, this contest will be followed by the Bushfire Cricket Bash, and then Big Bash League finals will be played. “It is going to be a huge and special day. It’s nice to be part of it,” Ponting told reporters on Sunday.

Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds

In pics: Nature's wrath — Inferno in Australia

Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage

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