Victoria Heat Record Under Threat as Melbourne Swelters in Extreme Conditions
Melbourne is forecast to record its hottest day since the devastating Black Saturday in 2009, as a severe heatwave grips Victoria. The state's temperature record, set during that catastrophic event, is now under serious threat after the mercury soared to a scorching 48 degrees Celsius in the north-western town of Ouyen on Tuesday.
Health Warnings and Fire Bans Issued Across the State
Victoria's chief health officer has issued urgent advice for residents to take immediate action if they show any signs of heat-related illness. Heat like this feels like being smothered, reported Guardian Australia's Stephanie Convery from Ouyen, capturing the intense discomfort and danger posed by the extreme conditions.
In response to the escalating risk, authorities have declared a total fire ban for the Wimmera and North East districts on Wednesday. This precaution comes as six major fires continue to burn across Victoria, with three of them currently classified as out of control, raising fears of a repeat of past bushfire tragedies.
Australian Open Disrupted and Economic Impact Felt
The heatwave has also disrupted the Australian Open in Melbourne, where tournament officials were forced to suspend play on outside courts under extreme heat protocols. While the event remains on track to break attendance records, it faces a significant financial setback, estimated at a million-dollar hit, as fans opted to stay away from the sweltering venues.
Broader News Highlights from the Afternoon Update
In other news, the White House has backtracked on initial claims regarding Alex Pretti after facing intense backlash. Meanwhile, in Sydney, police allege that a man charged with hate speech at a protest has links to a disbanded neo-Nazi group.
Internationally, Nato's chief has warned of the harshest winter in a decade as Russian attacks cut power in Kharkiv. Closer to home, a plane crash near the Gold Coast has claimed two lives and ignited a bushfire, adding to the region's challenges.
Cultural and Legal Developments
In a move to protect younger users, French lawmakers have voted to ban social media use by children under 15. On a lighter note, Mexico's president has asked South Korea for more BTS concerts, citing overwhelming public demand.
Guardian Australia has launched a poll to determine the nation's favourite Australian picture book, featuring 50 nominees ranging from publications in 1973 to 2022. Voting is now open for this cultural celebration.
Ye's Apology and Hate Speech Law Debate
Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has taken out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal to apologise for antisemitic behaviour and deny allegations of being a Nazi. In a statement, he reflected on the persuasive nature of his disorder, emphasising the importance of seeking help.
In Australia, Labor's proposed hate speech laws, crafted after the Bondi terror attack, are facing scrutiny. Timothy Roberts, president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, has raised concerns that these laws might risk undermining democracy, sparking a debate across the political spectrum.
Entertainment and Leisure Updates
This week marks the release of Melania, Amazon's feature-length documentary about Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner. With a marketing budget of US$35 million, the film has already generated buzz, including a VIP screening at the White House.
For daily entertainment, Guardian Australia's word game, Wordiply, offers a starter word of BUND, challenging players to find the longest word possible in five attempts.
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