Australia’s southern states are bracing for a major heatwave. This week, temperatures could soar into the 40s Celsius, marking the most intense heat since the summer of 2019-20.
Heatwave warnings are in effect across Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Dean Narramore, a senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, explains that Wednesday will kick off three days of extreme heat. The expected temperatures will be 8 to 16°C above average in parts of South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Expect mid-to-high 40s in inland areas and low 40s near the coast.
The scorching heat will start as dry and still, but as winds pick up later in the week, fire dangers will rise, particularly in South Australia and Victoria. By midweek, Adelaide and Melbourne could see temperatures hit the 40s, with even hotter conditions inland.
On Thursday, parts of north-west Victoria and eastern South Australia could reach 46 or 47°C. This heatwave is likely to last several days, with many places staying in the mid-40s for a while.
A cool change is expected to roll into South Australia by Friday, gradually shifting the heat towards New South Wales, where Sydney might peak at 39°C on Saturday.
Given the prolonged heat and warm nights, safety is key. Narramore urges everyone to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and keep an eye on vulnerable individuals and pets.
Meteorologically, the current weather patterns result from a monsoon trough over northern Queensland combined with a high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea, creating a “blocking pattern” that traps heat in the country.
Rain and storms continue in northern Queensland, with flood warnings still in effect for various regions, including significant warnings for the Flinders and Western rivers.
The Bureau of Meteorology notes that Australia’s average temperature is now about 1.5°C higher than it was in 1910. This rise has worsened extreme weather events, making heatwaves and bushfires more frequent and intense.
For more on Australia’s climate crisis impacts, you can check this report.
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