Residents of Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia are bracing for intense heat over the long weekend, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing heatwave warnings for all three states.
In Melbourne, temperatures are expected to reach 38°C from Saturday through Monday, potentially marking the hottest three-day stretch in March since 1942.
Despite the extreme heat, the risk of fires remains low due to weaker winds, though high to extreme fire danger ratings are forecast for most Victorian regions, excluding East Gippsland. The Southwest, including Portland and Walkerville, will see temperatures 16°C above average.
Melbourne faces record-breaking 38°C temperatures, marking the hottest March stretch since 1942.The heatwave is driven by a blocking high, a powerful, stationary pressure system that traps heat. Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist at BoM, advises that the peak heat typically occurs late in the afternoon to early evening rather than at midday.
South Australia and Tasmania are also under heatwave warnings, with temperatures in South Australia expected to soar into the high 30s to mid-40s over the weekend.
Adelaide will experience highs of 37°C on Friday, 40°C on Saturday, and 37°C on Sunday. The city will host several events, including the Womadelaide Music Festival, Adelaide Fringe, the South Australian Athletics Championships, and the Adelaide Cup horse race.
To address the heat’s impact, the South Australian government has issued a code red response to support the homeless with increased shelter and food services.
In Tasmania, temperatures are forecasted to reach the low 30s in Launceston, with high fire danger in central and southern districts. Meanwhile, Sydney will enjoy relatively cooler temperatures, with a forecast high of 29°C for both Saturday and Sunday.