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 baked parts of Western and South Australia, is now moving eastwards, promising a blistering few days for the nation's most populous regions.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Forecast
According to meteorologists at Weatherzone, some areas are set to experience their hottest run of days in years. Parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales could see the mercury soar to a staggering 45 degrees Celsius by Friday. Major cities will not be spared, with Adelaide and Melbourne both expected to reach 41C on Wednesday and remain in the high 30s in subsequent days.
Sydney is bracing for four consecutive days above 30C, starting today, with western suburbs predicted to hit a sweltering 44C on Saturday. In a telling sign of the event's severity, Bankstown in the city's south-west is forecast to break a more than two-decade record. The suburb has not seen three consecutive days over 37C in over twenty years, but is now set to reach between 38C and 44C from Thursday to Saturday.
Health Warnings and Elevated Fire Risk
The relentless heat has 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.
Compounding the danger, the heatwave is creating tinderbox conditions across several states. Weatherzone has warned that the combination of extreme heat, dry air, and blustery winds will cause dangerous fire weather in southern Australia. Fire danger ratings are predicted to reach the 'extreme' category – one level below catastrophic – in parts of South Australia and Victoria from Wednesday to Friday, and possibly in southern NSW on Saturday.
Current Extremes and Broader Weather Threats
The heat has already produced remarkable readings. On Tuesday, Marble Bar in WA's Pilbara region was recorded as the hottest place on Earth, with a temperature of 46.4C. Other locations, including Learmonth Airport and Leonora Aero, also exceeded 46C.
Meanwhile, other weather threats are emerging. A tropical low sitting in the Coral Sea off the Queensland coast 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."
Capital City Forecasts
Sydney: Warming up through the week, peaking at 40C on Saturday before a cooler change on Sunday.
Melbourne: A scorching 41C on Wednesday, dropping before another hot 38C on Friday.
Adelaide: Enduring 42C on Wednesday, staying in the high 30s Thursday and Friday.
Perth: Comparatively milder, with a gradual warm-up to 34C by Sunday.
Canberra: Facing a run of hot days, with 38C expected Thursday through Saturday.
Brisbane, Hobart, Darwin: More typical seasonal conditions, with showers and storms in the north.
