REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Australia faces an increased risk of bushfires during the approaching summer, authorities warned on Thursday, with the El Nino weather pattern expected to generate hotter and drier conditions across large swathes of the country.
Three years of incessant rain has increased vegetation, but the intense heatwaves common during Australia's December-February summer can quickly turn this into tinder-dry bushland, fuelling fires.
Australia declared an El Nino weather pattern - which usually brings below-average rain and above-average daytime temperatures - was under way in September.
The Bureau of Meteorology said it was not unusual to have wet weather during El Nino as it increases but does not guarantee drier conditions.
Reporting by Renju Jose and Cordelia Hsu in Sydney; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Loren Elliott, Murray Watt, Simon Bradshaw, Renju Jose, Cordelia Hsu, William Mallard
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New, New South Wales, Arcadia, Sydney, Australia, Turkey, El Nino, Australia's, El