BTN Newsbreak 01/07/2025

Australia Broadcast Center

01-07-2025

EAST COAST WEATHER
A vigorous coastal low has formed off Australia's east coast, and it's already bringing a lot of wild weather. Damaging surf, heavy rain and flooding and dangerous winds are what we can expect in the next few days from the vigorous coastal low that's brewing off the east coast of Australia. A coastal low is a type of low-pressure weather system that usually develops on or near the coast. They form when warm air is pulled into the atmosphere and as air goes up, it leaves less air behind, creating a low pressure. This makes nearby air rush in to fill in the space causing wind. And as the rising air cools, it can form clouds and bring rain or storms. This powerful system is already affecting communities with weather warnings in place from Coffs Harbor all the way to Bega. While emergency services are on standby, authorities are urging people in affected areas to be prepared, like tying down loose items outside, having an emergency kit on the go, staying inside and away from windows, and to stay in the loop with latest weather updates.
EUROPE HEATWAVE
There's a massive heatwave going on right across Europe at the moment. In France, 200 schools will be closed this week due to the heat, and from UK to Germany temps are 5 to 10 degrees higher than usual. In Spain, it's set to be the hottest June on record, and right throughout the continent people are doing what they can to stay cool. Wildfires have also started in some regions, with more than 50,000 people evacuated from their homes in Türkiye.
WIMBLEDON STARTS
It was also the hottest first day of Wimbledon on record. 33 degrees is what the temperature got to as players sweltered through their first round match ups. World Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruised through her first round matchup, while Aussie and 20th seed Alexei Popyrin lost to the world number 461 Arthur Fery.
TERRITORY DAY
Today is the 1st of July, which means those up north are celebrating Territory Day! That's right, things are about to get loud in the NT, because Territory Day is also known as cracker night. It's the one time each year when Aussies don't need a permit to buy and set off fireworks. But only in the NT, and fireworks can only be launched between 6 and 11pm. It's all in celebration of the day that the Northern Territory was given the right to govern itself. Before that it was the federal government that made laws for people living up here. But as much fun as fireworks can be fun, improper use can cause a lot of problems, like starting fires, scaring animals, and injuring people. Fireworks are explosives, so it's important to follow the safety guidelines like clearing the area of dry materials, having a hose or buckets of water handy, keeping everyone at a safe distance. And making sure your ready for when they go boom.
T-REX RACING
First up, to the US state of Washington where more than 300 people dressed up as dinosaurs for the annual T-rex world championship races. But the action wasn't just on the ground. Skydiving t-rexes parachuted from a height of 1,500 metres, landing on the track before making a bolt for the finish line.
ROLL CLOUD
Now to Portugal where beachgoers were stopped in their tracks by this rather ominous roll cloud. Rolls clouds are pretty rare here in Portugal, which is currently going through a heat wave. They form when warm air meets cooler air, sending the warm air up, up into the sky.
DONKEY FESTIVAL
And finally to donkeys in the small Colombian town of Moniquirá which are taking part in the annual Donkey Contest. Now in it's 19th year, the event started out as a fun way to support local farmers and highlight the important role donkeys have played as their loyal sidekicks. And despite having a reputation for appearing rather stubborn, I've got to say these donkeys seem extremely patient under all these outfits.