A fierce spring heatwave has gripped Australia and New Zealand, shattering October temperature records and sparking dozens of wildfires. Sydney hit nearly 40°C as scorching winds up to 100 km/h fueled blazes across New South Wales. In New Zealand, “red” wind alerts were issued as fires destroyed homes and forced a state of emergency in Canterbury.

Israel is battling one of its most extreme heat waves in decades, with temperatures expected to hit 50-51°C in the Jordan Valley. The blistering weather follows weeks after Iran endured a similar brutal heatwave.