Australia's southern states are bracing for a brutal and prolonged heatwave this week, described by forecasters as the most significant event since the devastating Black Summer of 2019-20. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued widespread warnings as a band of severe to extreme heat slowly tracks eastwards across the continent.
Three Days of Extreme Temperatures Forecast
Wednesday marks the beginning of a three-day period of extreme heat for south-eastern Australia, according to senior meteorologist Dean Narramore. He warned that temperatures would be between 8C and 16C above average across large parts of South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.
This translates to scorching conditions, with inland areas expecting mid-to-high 40s and coastal regions facing temperatures in the low 40s. Major cities like Adelaide and Melbourne are forecast to peak in the 40s by midweek, with even hotter conditions inland.
Peak Heat and Escalating Fire Danger
The peak of the heat is expected on Thursday, with parts of north-west Victoria and eastern South Australia potentially reaching a blistering 46C or 47C. Initially, the heat will be a dry, baking phenomenon, but winds are predicted to increase from Thursday.
This change will elevate the bushfire risk dramatically. High to extreme fire danger ratings are anticipated for much of South Australia and Victoria as the winds pick up, creating dangerous conditions later in the week.
A Nation Braced for Impact
Narramore urged the public to take serious precautions during the prolonged hot spell, which will also feature warm nights. His advice was clear: "Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay indoors, and also just be more aware of the elderly, the young, and also your pets as well. They'll be feeling it if they're outside."
The meteorologist explained that a monsoon trough over northern Queensland and a high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea have combined to create a 'blocking pattern'. This has allowed a trough from the west to funnel intense heat across the country.
While the south bakes, northern Queensland continues to contend with heavy rain and storms, with major flood warnings still current for rivers including the Flinders.
This extreme weather event occurs against a backdrop of long-term climate change. The BoM notes that Australia's national annual average temperature is now about 1.5C higher than it was in 1910. Scientific consensus holds that the climate crisis is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and the bushfires they exacerbate.
