Fortnight of heat

Since my last post, much of Australia has sweltered through a long series of extremely hot weather. In a country noted for high temperatures and searing winds, the Australian Climate Commission has released a report on the Extreme Weather we have been experiencing. Entitled "Off the Charts" the summary indicates the issues facing our country. And I quote:"

• The length, extent and severity of the current Australian heatwave is unprecedented in the measurement record.
• Although Australia has always had heatwaves, hot days and bushfires, climate change is increasing the risk of more frequent and longer heatwaves and more extreme hot days, as well as exacerbating bushfire conditions.
• Climate change has contributed to making the current extreme heat conditions and bushfires worse.
• Good community understanding of climate change risks is critical to ensure we take appropriate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to put measures in place to prepare for, and respond to, extreme weather.

http://climatecommission.gov.au/report/off-charts-extreme-january-heat-2013/
Luckily, Melbourne has had a few cooler days, enabling the houses and people a bit of respite. The Emergency Services people have been kept busy but at least it has not been as disastrous as 2009. Sympathies go to the people of the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania and the many people facing huge fires in NSW. 

The Heat is On!

January in Melbourne is one of the hottest months of the year. Today and tomorrow are lining up to be scorchers with 36 degrees C (96.8 degrees F) today and 41 degrees C (105.8 degrees F) tomorrow.
My vegie garden will only survive with a bit of shade and daily watering.
I picked beans yesterday and the tomatoes are just starting to ripen (planted a little later than usual). The sweet corn is looking good, so hopefully it will survive tomorrow and the hot week to come. The Persimmon tree is dropping some of its small fruit (too many on the small tree) as is the Nashi Pear tree, though there are lots on that one as well. Hopefully they won't get too burnt by the wind and searing sun.

Lets hope the hot weather and predicted strong northerly winds tomorrow don't cause too many fires as there is such a lot of dry grass nearby. Victoria's National Parks and bush have had a lot of growth over the last couple of wet years and are ripe for another big burn.

We don't want to start 2013 with another tragedy like that of Black Saturday, 2009. I have downloaded the CFA Fire App on my iPad, something being recommended by our trusty emergency services. Lets hope their website, CFA and that of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade doesn't crash under the demand as it did the last few years. Also, the Emergency Texting service operates appropriately.
And I'll keep listening to the radio for Emergency advice if I can stand the constant Cricket and Tennis.

Near Marysville, July 2009