Australian Weather.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 163, 13 January 1896, Page 2

Australian Weather.

THE HEAT WAVE IN SYDNEY. rHUNDERSTORM AT PORT MELBOURNE. ' « (Per Press Association. ) ! Sydney, Jan. 11. . A beat wave of great intensity swept ! < across the southern portion of the con- j tinent, west to east, during tbe week. I , Bad as tho effects were to those inured j . to warm climates it must bave been a j revelation to less hardy strangers within ! our gates. Monday is a day to bo remembered. Tbe atmosphere was like a blast open furnace, withering up the grass and plants. Not content with being merely bot, tbe sufferings of the people were intensified by tbe presence of smoke from bush fires, in tbe air. The highest temperature was recorded in 1863, when 106-9 was attained. On this day, however, the beat was not so prolonged. While 86 degrees was registered at nine in tbe morning, tbe thermometer showed 95 at that hour last Monday, the beat continuing all day. The very pavements burned the feet through the boots. Horses fell in tho streets sunstruck, The boat, luckily, was a dry one, only about twenty-five parts of moisture in tho air. In such places as foundries work was practically at a standstill. Kiandra, noted tor beiug the coldest spot in the colony, had the wonderful reading of 81. January 12. The heat wave returned in all its severity, and 100 was registered in the shade on Saturday. Owing to the moist atmosphere, the heat was even more oppressive than on Monday. The nights are intensely bot. The thermometer registered over 90 throughout Saturday. Never before since tho official observations were established, extending over a period of 37 years, has 100 been registered iv Sydney twice in one week. To-day was apaiu oppressive, tbe highest reading being 99, and to-night it is still rising. From the country districts similar reports have been received. There is great scarcity of water and feed, and bush fires are raging in all directions during the past week in the Albury district. Besides immense damage done to the crops, grass, and fencing, a large number of stock wore hemmed in and Burned tc death. The fires are still spreading rapidly. This Day. Several deaths from the excessive beat are reported from the country districts. The hot northerly wind still continues. Melbourne, Jan. 12. A heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by torrents of rain, swept over the city yesterday. The Port Melbourne baths were blown down, Felton's chemical works partly dismantled, and many places damaged and flooded. The goods in Foy and Gibson's drapery establishment were damaged to tho extent of £1000, the water making it way. through the roof.