Key Takeaways
- An extremely hot air mass is expected to spread across Australia next week, with temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 40s in parts of four states.
- The heat will be driven by a slow-moving upper-level ridge passing over Australia, causing a broad ‘heat trough’ to develop at the surface.
- Temperatures will climb across Western Australia (WA) during the next few days, with the heat spreading to South Australia (SA), Victoria (Vic), and New South Wales (NSW) from Tuesday next week.
- Severe heatwave conditions are expected to extend from WA to Vic and Tasmania (Tas) next week, with heatwave conditions impacting part of every Australian state and territory.
- The Australian Red Cross has provided advice for staying safe during a heatwave, including staying inside, drinking plenty of fluids, and keeping homes cool.
Introduction to the Heatwave
An extremely hot air mass will spread across Australia next week, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-to-high 40s in parts of four states. This heatwave will be driven by a slow-moving upper-level ridge passing over Australia, which will allow a broad ‘heat trough’ to develop at the surface. As a result, hot air will intensify over WA from this weekend before spreading across southern, central, and southeastern Australia next week.
Temperature Forecasts
Temperatures will climb across WA during the next few days, with a large area of the state expected to reach the low to mid-forties by Monday. The heat should start to spread further east from around Tuesday next week, initially into SA and central Australia before also hitting Vic and NSW from Wednesday and Thursday. It’s too early to know exactly how hot this air mass will be as it spreads across Australia next week, but numerous computer models suggest temperatures could reach around 45 to 46°C in parts of WA, SA, Vic, and NSW, with some spots possibly reaching about 48°C.
Regional Temperature Predictions
The hottest weather over the coming week will occur inland, away from Australia’s state capital cities, but the major cities won’t completely escape the heat. Adelaide is forecast to reach around 39 to 41°C on Wednesday and Friday next week. Melbourne is also predicted to reach 30 to 39°C each day from Wednesday to Friday next week. Mildura in northwest Vic will be exposed to the searing inland heat from Wednesday and is forecast to reach 45°C on Thursday. Slightly higher temperatures could occur across the border in SA on Thursday.
Heatwave Severity and Fire Danger
The slow-moving nature and intensity of this heat will cause Severe heatwave conditions to extend from WA across to Vic and Tas next week. While the highest temperatures will occur in WA, SA, Vic, and Tas, heatwave conditions will impact part of every Australian state and territory. The high temperatures are also likely to elevate fire danger ratings on some days next week, with Friday currently looking like a potentially dangerous fire day for parts of southern Australia.
Staying Safe During the Heatwave
The Australian Red Cross has provided advice for staying safe during a heatwave. This includes staying inside and keeping out of the heat as much as possible, planning to do most activities early or late in the day to avoid being outside during the hottest hours, and avoiding sport and heavy exercise during peak hours of the day. It’s also essential to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and to keep your home cool by using external shade cloths or blinds to shield the inside of the house from direct sunlight.
Preparation and Planning
Forecasts may jump around over the next few days as new model guidance becomes available, so it’s essential to check the latest forecasts in your area, particularly if you have outdoor plans. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with the heatwave and stay safe. Remember to keep in touch with friends, neighbors, and relatives, particularly if they’re unwell or isolated, and never leave children or animals in parked vehicles. By working together and taking care of each other, we can get through this heatwave safely.
