Widespread Heatwave Affects Australian States; Temperatures Exceed 40°C, Fire Warnings Issued

A severe heatwave is impacting multiple Australian states and territories, with temperatures widely exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and projected to reach up to 50 degrees Celsius in some Western Australian regions.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe heatwave warnings across New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Associated hazards include elevated fire danger, gusty winds, dust storms, and the potential for dry lightning and severe thunderstorms. Health authorities have issued advisories, while separate extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding, are occurring in other parts of the country.

Overview of Conditions

The heatwave began intensifying earlier in the week and is expected to persist through the upcoming weekend in many areas. It is primarily driven by a slow-moving weather pattern across southern Australia, which allows for the continued spread of hot air. This is reinforced by a tropical low in the eastern Indian Ocean influencing large-scale atmospheric circulation.

Regional Impacts and Forecasts

The severe-to-extreme heatwave is expected to intensify and peak mid-to-late week. Maximum temperatures are predicted to range from the high thirties to the mid-forties. Inland and southern New South Wales are forecast for low 40s through Friday, with a milder change expected from Saturday. The east coast is projected to experience high temperatures one day longer.

Sydney is forecast to reach 42°C on Saturday, with western suburbs like Penrith potentially reaching 43°C. Extreme fire danger is forecast for many areas, including Greater Sydney, on Saturday. Bourke is projected to reach up to 47°C.

Maximum temperatures are forecast in the low-to-mid-forties. From Thursday, southern parts may experience high thirties, while northern regions could reach mid-forties. Mildura is projected to see maximum temperatures between 44°C and 46°C from Wednesday to Friday. Echuca is also expected to endure two more days near 45°C, while Shepparton and Albury could reach 44°C on Friday.

Melbourne reached 41°C on Wednesday and is forecast for 30°C on Thursday, rising to a windy 41°C on Friday. Warnings for 'extreme' level heatwaves encompass significant portions of north-east Victoria. An evacuation warning was issued for a fire in northern Victoria. Coupled with gusty winds on Friday, temperatures are expected to elevate fire danger to 'extreme' and 'catastrophic' levels across the entire state. High-based thunderstorms and dry lightning are also potential hazards. A cooler change is expected from Saturday.

Maximum temperatures are expected in the high thirties and mid-forties, with the heatwave peaking mid-to-late next week. Northern parts of the state continued to experience low to mid-40s on Thursday. Port Augusta is forecast to reach 47°C, after 46.3°C on Wednesday. Adelaide is projected to reach 41°C on Wednesday and 39°C later in the week, after recording 43.2°C.

Coastal areas, such as Port Lincoln, reached 44.6°C on Wednesday and may see a temporary reduction due to sea breezes. A trough is expected to move eastward from Friday, initiating a cooler change. Prior to this, conditions in the state's north and east will peak with very high temperatures, gusty winds, and potential for thunderstorms with dry lightning. Dust storms are also possible in inland areas. Oodnadatta is forecast at 47°C.

Parts of outback Western Australia are forecast to experience extreme temperatures, potentially reaching 50 degrees Celsius.

The Pilbara region is expected to see temperatures in the high 40s, affecting inland areas and coastal zones from Coral Bay to Kalbarri. Unofficial temperatures exceeding 50°C have been reported in areas like Marble Bar. On Tuesday, the Bureau of Meteorology weather station at Shark Bay airport recorded 49.2°C, setting a new record for the hottest January day there. Meekatharra recorded 44°C and Exmouth 47.1°C on Wednesday.

Perth is anticipated to face high temperatures, with forecasts of 39°C on Tuesday, 38°C on Wednesday, and 37°C on Thursday, before cooling towards the weekend. Australia has not recorded a 50°C day since January 2022, when Onslow, WA, reached 50.7°C, matching the all-time high. The hottest temperature recorded in Australia this year to date was 49°C in Onslow on January 7. The most intense heatwave conditions are projected to shift further north by early next week, moving towards the Kimberley region.

Canberra's south experienced record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday, with Tuggeranong reaching 43.5°C, a new site record. Canberra Airport recorded 42.6°C, slightly below its all-time high of 44°C from January 2020. The ACT has been under heatwave conditions since Saturday, with temperatures predicted to remain above average until Sunday.

Forecasts include peak temperatures around 35°C on Thursday and potentially 39°C on Friday. Canberra is expected to remain warm until Sunday, with a forecast of 38°C on Saturday, marking four consecutive days of high temperatures. Extreme fire danger is forecast for the ACT on Saturday. A significant drop to 22°C is expected by Monday.

Northern Tasmania has also experienced a severe heatwave. Launceston reached 30°C on Wednesday, and temperatures in the 30s are expected to continue through Thursday. Conditions are forecast to gradually cool from Friday as the heatwave moves, followed by a cold front on Saturday.

South-east Queensland is projected to experience severe heatwave conditions, with Brisbane potentially reaching 38°C on Australia Day (January 26th), possibly its hottest since 1998. Toowoomba and Mount Isa are also forecast to reach 37°C. Temperatures from the Channel Country to the south-east are expected to be up to 8°C above average for the public holiday. The Gold and Sunshine coasts will experience temperatures in the mid-30s. Birdsville is forecast for a six-day period of 44°C to 45°C.

The far south-east corner of the Northern Territory is anticipated to be impacted. Alice Springs is expected to see maximum temperatures of 42°C and 43°C from Friday to Sunday.

Public Health Advisories

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised on the potential health impacts of the heatwave, specifically noting risks for older Australians, infants, children, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions or who are unwell.

Health officials have urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure, and identify cool spaces.

Recommendations include remaining indoors or seeking air-conditioned public facilities. Individuals with heart or lung disease, or diabetes, are advised to consult medical professionals regarding medication adjustments during the heat. Symptoms of heat-related illness, such as rapid breathing, increased heart rate, confusion, dizziness, and collapse, warrant medical attention. ACT Ambulance reported a 10-20 percent increase in general workload due to the high temperatures.

Other Concurrent Weather Events

Sydney experienced extreme weather over the past weekend, leading to floods, landslides, and flash flooding, described by experts as a 'one in 500 year event'.

Conversely, North Queensland's coast is expected to receive significant rainfall. The weather bureau has forecast up to 110 millimeters for Townsville on Monday and up to 180 millimeters for Cairns between the current period and Wednesday. Flood watches and warnings are currently in effect for parts of the state, including a major flood warning for the Flinders River near the Gulf of Carpentaria.

A tropical low in the eastern Indian Ocean is forecast to strengthen, with a potential tropical cyclone approaching the Kimberley coast of Western Australia later this week.