Record-Breaking Heatwave Triggers Sydney Marathon Chaos: Runners Hospitalized in Unprecedented Conditions
Sydney Marathon runners battled extreme heat during an unprecedented spring heatwave in Australia As temperatures soared, 26 participants were hospitalized and 40 received treatment for heat exhaustion by emergency services
The sweltering heat wave in Australia had a significant impact on participants of the Sydney Marathon on Sunday. Emergency services treated approximately 40 individuals for heat exhaustion, while 26 people were transported to the hospital. The national weather bureau reported that multiple regions, including Sydney, in the southeast of Australia are currently experiencing a spring heat wave. Temperatures on Monday are predicted to reach up to 16 degrees Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) higher than the average for September.
A heat wave is currently intensifying in the remote interior of the country, and its effect is expected to continue until Wednesday across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, numerous early spring records are likely to be shattered in the coming days, with the heat being described as "unusually high for September."
According to a Facebook post by the weather bureau on Sunday, relief from the hot weather is not anticipated until Wednesday onwards, when a more forceful cold front moves across the southeastern states.
Based on the forecasts from the weather bureau, temperatures in Sydney's west are predicted to reach 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit) on Monday. However, they are expected to decrease to approximately 22 degrees Celsius (71 Fahrenheit) by Thursday.
A big crowd gathered in the sun at the Opera House to watch the finish of the Sydney Marathon
The heat wave has increased the threat of fires in various regions, prompting authorities to issue "high" fire danger ratings and advise residents to ready themselves for bushfires. Currently, there are approximately 50 grass or bushfires ablaze throughout New South Wales, although they have all been successfully contained.
Australia is preparing for a hotter spring and summer in the southern hemisphere this year as the potential for an El Niño to occur strengthens. The weather forecaster has stated that the El Niño is likely to develop between September and November. El Niño can lead to severe weather conditions such as wildfires, cyclones, and droughts in Australia, prompting authorities to issue warnings of increased bushfire risks for the upcoming summer.
Sydney was enveloped in a dense smoke haze for several consecutive days last week while firefighters conducted hazard reduction burns in anticipation of the approaching bushfire season. Australia's scorching spring follows a winter marked by temperatures significantly higher than the norm. Scientists caution that unless humanity ceases the burning of fossil fuels, extreme weather phenomena such as heat waves will become increasingly prevalent and severe.
CNNs Laura Paddison contributed to this report.
