January 17, 2014

PHOTOS: Koalas, Tennis Players Grapple with Australian Heat Wave


Parts of Australia are in the midst of a massive heat wave, straining resources and sparking fires. Matches had to be suspended at the Australian Open in Melbourne, where temperatures hit 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are photos showing the toll this extreme heat has taken on the country’s forests, animals, and visiting tennis stars.

Victoria brushfire

A fire-fighting helicopter extinguishes a fire burning throughout Victoria’s Grampians region. Country Fire Authority/ZUMA

 

 

Australian Open fountain

Fans cool off in a fountain outside the Rod Laver Arena on day five of the Australian Open. Jason O’Brien/ZUMA

 

 

Serena Williams

Despite the heat, Serena Williams set a tournament record by winning her 61st Australian Open match. Ken Hawkins/ZUMA

 

 

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