image: Drier, warmer than average weather in Australia is the chief cause of the numerous bushfires that dot this recent MODIS image (actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red). This photo was taken by the Aqua satellite on March 26, 2013. Australian weather forecasters suggest there will be widespread light rainfall in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales but most falls will be less than 10mm. The weather change will introduce milder weather with temperatures closer to the March average but there will be increased fire dangers ahead of the change with further total fire bans in some states. As the front crosses New South Wales it will stall about the north east and a low could form. This could trigger some higher rain totals and strong winds around the north east quarter. Rain is welcome but the heavier winds could cause the fires to spread. view more
Credit: NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz LANCE/EOSDIS MODIS Rapid Response Team, GSFC. Caption by Lynn Jenner.