Key Takeaways
- A severe heatwave is expected to sweep across Australia from this weekend into next week, with temperatures potentially reaching 50°C in some areas.
- The heatwave will affect southern and southeastern states, including South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
- Extreme fire danger ratings are likely in parts of southern South Australia and western Victoria, with catastrophic fire danger possible in some areas.
- Capital cities, including Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, will experience high temperatures, with some days reaching over 40°C.
- It is essential to take precautions to stay safe during the heatwave, including staying hydrated, staying cool, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak hours.
Introduction to the Heatwave
An intense and prolonged heatwave is expected to sweep across Australia from this weekend into next week, causing temperatures to potentially approach 50°C and fuelling catastrophic fire danger ratings in some areas. A large pool of hot air that has been building over Western Australia this week will spill across the country’s southern and southeastern states from this weekend. This stagnant weather pattern will allow the heat to dig in and intensify over Australia’s southeastern inland next week, leading to a severe to extreme heatwave and potentially breaking January maximum temperature records in several states.
Temperature Forecast
Temperatures could reach the high forties in parts of South Australia from Saturday and in Victoria and New South Wales from Monday or Tuesday. The intense heat could linger until late next week and is expected to spread into parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Current forecasts show temperatures reaching as high as 48°C in South Australia and New South Wales and 47°C in Victoria and Queensland over the coming week. However, some computer models suggest temperatures could get near 50°C in parts of inland South Australia, western New South Wales, or southern Queensland next week.
Fire Danger Ratings
The heat will also contribute to elevated fire danger ratings, with extreme fire danger ratings likely in parts of southern South Australia on Friday and over a broader area of South Australia and western Victoria on Saturday. South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula could even see catastrophic fire danger on Saturday as the heat combines with strong northwesterly winds. It is essential for residents in these areas to be aware of the fire danger and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Capital Cities Feeling the Heat
While the highest temperatures from this heatwave will occur inland, Australia’s southeastern capital cities will not be immune to the heat. Adelaide is likely to exceed 40°C on Saturday and Monday, possibly hitting 42 to 43°C on Monday afternoon. Melbourne should also see two days close to or above 40°C, one on Saturday and again on Tuesday, with Tuesday currently likely to be the hottest day of the heatwave. Canberra could reach the mid-to-high 30s every day between Saturday this week and Saturday next week, possibly reaching around 42°C on Wednesday, January 28. Sydney’s CBD and eastern suburbs will have a few days in the low 30s this weekend and next week, while temperatures could nudge 40°C in the city’s western suburbs on Sunday.
Staying Safe in a Heatwave
Heatwaves are Australia’s deadliest natural disaster, and they can cause problems for anyone who doesn’t take precautions to keep cool, even people who are fit and healthy. The Australian Red Cross has provided advice for staying safe during a heatwave, including staying inside and keeping out of the heat as much as possible, avoiding sport and heavy exercise during peak hours, and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. It is also essential to keep your home cool by using external shade cloths or blinds, and to use a combination of air conditioning and fans to keep certain rooms cool. Additionally, taking cool showers or baths, splashing yourself with cold water, or using a cool damp cloth can help to cool down. If it’s too hot at home, consider going to an air-conditioned shopping centre, community centre, library, or local swimming pool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming heatwave is expected to be severe and prolonged, with temperatures potentially reaching 50°C in some areas. It is essential for residents in affected areas to take precautions to stay safe, including staying hydrated, staying cool, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak hours. By following the advice provided by the Australian Red Cross and taking necessary precautions, individuals can reduce their risk of heat-related illnesses and stay safe during the heatwave.