Australia is set to endure a record-breaking heatwave sweeping across four states into the New Year, with temperatures in some towns expected to hit 45°C for six consecutive days. Sky News senior meteorologist Tristan Meyers said the national heatwave would challenge the record books.
'This is not only due to how hot individual days are going to be — for example 45°C, 46°C, and potentially 47°C in parts of western, southern New South Wales, northern Victoria and South Australia — but also how prolonged it's going to be,' Meyers said. 'For some areas we're going to see a week or more of 45°C-plus temperatures and that hasn't ever happened before — particularly in December, but potentially all time.'
The blistering temperatures are caused by a high pressure system, also known as a blocking system, brewing off the east coast. Meyers said the system is 'not really moving' and appears to remain in the same position for the next week or two. The heatwave has already seen beaches packed across the country, but also threatens to cause bushfires and heat exhaustion.
Victorian authorities have issued health alerts for parts of the state, and strict fire warnings are in place for Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Tasmania has already been hit by bushfires, with firefighters battling a blaze on Bruny Island throughout Christmas Day. In Western Australia's Kimberley region, the town of Fitzroy Crossing sweltered to an early high of 47°C, breaking the previous record of 46.5°C set only weeks ago.
Inland areas of South Australia are forecast to suffer constant 40°C temperatures, peaking at 41°C on Thursday. Central Victoria is expected to reach above 40°C by the end of the week, with Mildura in the state's northwest expecting a top of 46°C on Sunday. New South Wales will also experience stifling heat, only a week after two supercell storms battered Sydney. The only part of the country not closing in on record-setting temperatures is coastal Queensland, parts of which are still recovering from ex-Tropical Cyclone Owen.
