Australia is experiencing its first widespread heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius across multiple states and reach up to 47 degrees Celsius in some northern regions. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued severe heatwave warnings for specific areas within six states and one territory, advising of potential health risks. High temperatures are expected to persist until the weekend in certain areas, accompanied by elevated fire danger, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Widespread Heatwave Conditions
Australia is undergoing its first significant heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to rise and continue through the weekend in several regions. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued severe heatwave warnings for specific areas within New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. These warnings were initially projected to remain active until Wednesday for some regions. The BoM has advised on potential health impacts, specifically noting risks for older Australians, infants, children, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions or who are unwell.
Temperature Projections and Observed Conditions
Temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher have been anticipated and observed across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. Northern parts of South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales are forecast to reach up to 47 degrees Celsius.
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New South Wales: The severe-to-extreme heatwave is expected to intensify and peak in the 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 expected to see temperatures continue rising through Thursday and Friday, reaching the low 40s. The east coast is forecast to experience high temperatures for an extended day. Sydney is forecast to reach 42C on Saturday, with western suburbs like Penrith potentially reaching 43C.
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Victoria: Maximum temperatures are forecast to be in the low-to-mid-forties, with 'extreme' level heatwave warnings encompassing significant portions of north-east Victoria. From Thursday, southern parts of the state may experience high thirties, while northern regions could reach the mid-forties. Mildura is projected to see maximum temperatures between 44C and 46C from Wednesday to Friday, with towns like Echuca also enduring temperatures at or near 45C for two more days. Shepparton and Albury could reach 44C on Friday. Melbourne reached 41C on Wednesday and is forecast for 30C on Thursday due to a southerly wind change, but is projected to rise again to 41C on Friday.
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South Australia: Maximum temperatures are expected in the high thirties and mid-forties, with the heatwave conditions peaking mid-to-late next week in some areas. Northern parts of the state will continue to experience high temperatures in the low to mid-40s on Thursday. Port Augusta is forecast to reach 47C, after recording 46.3C on Wednesday. Adelaide is projected to reach 39C after recording 43.2C. Coastal areas like Port Lincoln reached 44.6C on Wednesday and may see a temporary reduction to the high 20s due to sea breezes.
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Western Australia: Predictions include high forties temperatures in parts of the state's northwest. The north of Western Australia has been experiencing high temperatures for several weeks, exceeding typical January levels. Parts of the southern Pilbara and central wheatbelt have been under severe heatwave conditions. Meekatharra recorded 44C and Exmouth 47.1C on Wednesday, accompanied by warm nights. The most intense heatwave conditions are projected to shift further north by early next week, moving towards the Kimberley region.
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Tasmania: Northern Tasmania has also experienced a severe heatwave. Launceston reached 30C on Wednesday, with temperatures in the 30s expected to continue through Thursday.
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Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Canberra is expected to remain warm until Sunday, with a forecast of 38C on Saturday, marking four consecutive days of high temperatures.
Fire Danger and Associated Weather Phenomena
An evacuation warning has been issued for a fire in northern Victoria. Fire services in South Australia are preparing for challenging conditions.
- In Victoria, gusty winds coupled with high temperatures on Friday 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.
- In South Australia, prior to a cooler change, 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. Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts up to 90km/h are possible in the far southeast on Friday.
- Extreme fire danger is forecast for many areas in New South Wales, including Greater Sydney and the ACT, on Saturday.
Regions Under Warning
Specific areas under severe heatwave warning include:
- New South Wales: South Coast, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes.
- Victoria: North East, East Gippsland.
- Tasmania: North East, East Coast, Midlands.
- South Australia: West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula, North West Pastoral districts.
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
- Western Australia: Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields, Eucla, North Interior, South Interior, Central Wheat Belt.
Expected Changes and Duration
A trough is expected to move eastward from Friday, initiating a cooler change in South Australia, particularly on the eastern side where maximum temperatures have been significantly above average. In Victoria, a cooler change is expected to take effect from Saturday. Inland and southern New South Wales are forecast for a milder change from Saturday. For Tasmania, conditions are forecast to gradually cool from Friday as the heatwave moves, followed by a cold front on Saturday. Canberra is expected to remain warm until Sunday. The most intense heatwave conditions in Western Australia are projected to shift further north by early next week, moving towards the Kimberley region.