Australia Braces for Severe Heatwave with Temperatures to Hit 45C

Millions of Australians are preparing for a prolonged and intense heatwave, with scorching temperatures forecast to grip every state and territory this week. The severe weather event, which has already hit Western and South Australia, is now moving eastwards, promising a blistering few days for the nation.

Widespread Extreme Temperatures Forecast

According to meteorologists at Weatherzone, the intense heat will be persistent enough to be classified as a severe to extreme heatwave. Some regions are set to experience their hottest run of days in years. By Friday, parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales could see the mercury climb to a staggering 45 degrees Celsius.

Major cities will not be spared. Adelaide and Melbourne are both expected to reach 41C on Wednesday, with temperatures remaining in the high 30s in the following days. Sydney is bracing for four consecutive days above 30C starting today, with western suburbs forecast to hit a scorching 44C on Saturday.

In a stark illustration of the event's severity, Bankstown in Sydney's south-west has not recorded three consecutive days over 37C in more than two decades. That record is set to be shattered, with the suburb predicted to see temperatures between 38C and 44C from Thursday to Saturday.

Health Warnings and Elevated Fire Danger

The extreme conditions have prompted urgent warnings from medical professionals. Dr Michael Wright, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, cautioned that the health risks should not be underestimated. "As Australians we're accustomed to hot weather; however, we must not underestimate the serious health effects that can occur – even for young and healthy people," he said.

Simultaneously, the heatwave is creating a tinderbox situation across several states. Weatherzone has warned that the heat will combine with dry air and blustery winds to cause dangerous fire weather in southern Australia, particularly in SA, Victoria, and southern NSW. Fire danger ratings are predicted to reach the extreme category – one level below catastrophic – in parts of SA and Victoria from Wednesday to Friday, and possibly in southern NSW on Saturday.

Record Heat and Cyclone Watch

The heat has already produced remarkable readings. On Tuesday, Marble Bar in WA's Pilbara region was recorded as the hottest place on Earth, sweltering at 46.4C. Learmonth Airport and Leonora Aero, near WA's North West Cape, hit 46.2C.

While the continent bakes, a separate weather threat is brewing off the Queensland coast. A tropical low sitting in the Coral Sea could develop into a tropical cyclone in the coming days. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern about the prospect of more rain in the state's flood-ravaged north, stating, "We're very worried... The fact is that we are seeing more frequent natural disasters and more intensity in them."

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