A severe to extreme heatwave is set to impact several Australian states and territories from this weekend into next week, with temperatures soaring into the mid to high forties in some areas.
A hot airmass from the north is being drawn toward the southeast by a low-pressure trough, leading to a prolonged period of intense heat. Areas including NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia can expect temperatures to reach the low to mid-forties, with some places potentially hitting 45°C to 46°C, marking the hottest weather of the year in these regions.
While the hottest temperatures will be felt outside the capital cities, they will still see some intense heat:
- Adelaide: 40°C on Sunday
- Melbourne: 41°C on Monday
- Canberra: 39°C on Monday
- Western Sydney: 41°C on Tuesday
This heatwave will also lead to extreme fire danger in parts of Victoria and South Australia on Monday, and high fire danger across other areas during the weekend and early next week. The high temperatures are expected to put strain on the National Electricity Market (NEM), although power outages are not anticipated at this time.
Heatwaves are the deadliest natural disasters in Australia, so it’s essential to take precautions:
- Stay inside during the hottest part of the day.
- Avoid outdoor sports during peak heat.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Avoid direct sun exposure where possible.
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