A significant heatwave is set to impact Australia’s east coast this week, with temperatures anticipated to exceed 40°C, positioning the region as one of the hottest areas globally, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
Residents in northern New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory are being advised to prepare for extreme weather conditions as a mass of heat shifts eastward from central Australia.
The BoM forecasts that areas in Queensland and the Northern Territory will experience a “severe heatwave,”, particularly in the Central West, Channel Country, Maranoa, Warrego, Darling Downs, and Granite Belt districts.
Maximum temperatures in these regions are expected to reach the high 30s to low 40s, with overnight lows in the low to mid-20s.
The agency warns that this intense heat poses potential life-threatening risks, especially for vulnerable populations, and is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday.
Coastal cities will also feel the effects; Brisbane is projected to reach daily highs of 31-34°C throughout the week, while Sydney and Canberra are expected to experience temperatures in the low 30s on Thursday and Wednesday, respectively.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises residents to seek cool spaces during potentially life-threatening conditions.In contrast, Melbourne could see 26°C on Tuesday, with a possible high of 33°C on Wednesday, and Hobart is forecasted to reach 28°C on the same day.
Weatherzone has noted that parts of the country will be among the hottest in the world this week, emphasizing that November typically brings increased heat as the sun’s intensity rises, enhancing solar heating across the continent.
This pattern is especially pronounced in northern Australia, where minimal cloud cover allows for uninterrupted heating.
The BoM has issued critical advice for residents to protect themselves during this heatwave.
It is recommended that people seek cooler environments, such as homes, libraries, community centers, or shopping malls.
Closing windows and drawing blinds early in the day can help maintain cooler indoor temperatures.
Utilizing fans or air conditioning where available is also advised to ensure safety during this extreme weather event.