Australia Battles Record Heatwave: Temperatures Soar Near 50C, Australian Open Affected

• Australia is experiencing a prolonged heatwave with temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas.
• Rural towns Hopetoun and Walpeup in Victoria state recorded preliminary highs of 48.9°C, potentially breaking 2009 records.
• Melbourne, Victoria's largest city, also faced near-record heat, impacting the Australian Open tennis tournament.
• Organizers at Melbourne Park implemented extreme heat protocols, closing roofs and postponing matches; attendance dropped significantly.
• The heatwave follows another earlier this month, contributing to one of Australia's hottest summers on record.

Why It Matters: Australia is enduring a severe, record-breaking heatwave with temperatures near 50C, impacting daily life and major events.