Australia Braces for Widespread Heatwave

By the end of this week, half of Australia will be enveloped in an extensive heatwave, with high temperatures persisting across much of the nation.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts a severe heatwave to grip regions from the South Australia and Western Australia border to parts of the Kimberley.

The heatwave will also impact large swathes of the country, including Broome, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, Canberra, and Sydney.

Severe heatwave conditions are expected to be most intense in inland New South Wales, southern Queensland, and much of inland South Australia.

On Wednesday, temperatures in remote areas of South Australia and Western Australia soared to around 40°C, with some places reaching mid to high 40s. North-western New South Wales and southern Queensland are already experiencing these extreme temperatures.

BoM senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury highlighted that the persistence of the heat, over three days or more, makes it more challenging than a single hot day.

“It’s not just one hot day; it’s days on end with high temperatures that take a toll,” Bradbury explained. While capital cities may avoid the worst of the heat, rural and remote areas will bear the brunt.

A cool change is anticipated to sweep across southern Western Australia on Friday, bringing temperatures down significantly.  By Saturday, this cooler air will reach South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and southwest New South Wales.

For instance, Woomera will drop from 46°C to 24°C between Friday and Saturday. However, some inland areas, especially in New South Wales, may experience prolonged heat, with temperatures only easing slightly into early next week.

Additionally, Tropical Cyclone Jasper is forming over the Coral Sea, potentially reaching the Queensland coast this weekend or early next week.

The cyclone is expected to intensify and could impact the northern region north of Mackay. The BoM will issue alerts as the cyclone approaches.