Canada issues serious travel advisory for Australia

Canada updated travel advice warning travellers to Australia about severe heat and humidity; Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has active heatwave and fire-weather warnings through Jan. 11 in several regions.

Canada has updated its travel advice for Australia, citing a potential health risk from extreme heat. The advisory warns that humidity and heat may be severe, particularly in mid to late summer (December to February). The statement highlights symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke and notes these can be fatal. It also cautions against driving long distances between settlements in isolated outback areas during extreme heat. Key points: - The Government of Canada published the updated travel advice on Friday, warning travellers from Canada to Australia about a heat wave. - The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued heatwave warnings active until Sunday, Jan. 11, with extreme warnings for Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes, and Riverina, and severe warnings for Hunter, Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, Lower Western and Upper Western. - Temperatures reported on Friday reached 42.9°C in Melbourne and 40°C in Sydney, according to 7News Australia. - The advisory notes that severe heatwaves can be dangerous for older people, babies, children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with medical conditions. - Hot, dry conditions have prompted a fire weather warning, and authorities reported thunderstorms could bring dry lightning and damaging wind gusts. Summary: Canada's travel advisory draws attention to active heatwave and fire-weather warnings in parts of Australia, and media reports noted temperatures above 40°C in some cities. The Bureau of Meteorology said the severe to extreme heatwave will gradually ease from the west over the weekend as a southwest to southerly change brings milder temperatures. Undetermined at this time regarding any further updates from the Government of Canada.