Changes

Weather extremes are common in Australia with temperatures sometimes measured into the high 40s Celsius (45 degrees Celsius = 113 degrees Fahrenheit).   

Weather extremes are common in Australia with temperatures sometimes measured into the high 40s Celsius (45 degrees Celsius = 113 degrees Fahrenheit).   

The city of Darwin was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy on Dec. 25, 1974, killing 66 people, destroying 80% of the buildings in the city of 46,000 population. Darwin's utilities were knowcked out and 35,000 people were evacuated.  

The city of Darwin was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy on Dec. 25, 1974, killing 66 people, and destroying 80% of the buildings in the city of 46,000 population. Darwin's utilities were knocked out and 35,000 people were evacuated.  

Bush fires often ravage the southern states - one of the worst occurring on Ash Wednesday in 1983 when over 2,000 homes were destroyed and over 70 people lost their lives in Victoria and South Australia.  In 2009 severe fires hit much of Victoria, worsened by hot dry winds and a severe draught.

Bush fires often ravage the southern states - one of the worst occurring on Ash Wednesday in 1983 when over 2,000 homes were destroyed and over 70 people lost their lives in Victoria and South Australia.  In 2009 severe fires hit much of Victoria, worsened by hot dry winds and a severe draught.