Residents across south-eastern Australia are bracing for a heatwave as temperatures soar, with regions such as Victoria, eastern South Australia, and south-western New South Wales facing severe heat.
The heatwave, which began on Friday, has seen temperatures up to 13°C higher than average in certain areas, particularly affecting the Central and East Gippsland areas in Victoria, as well as locations like Eden, Bega, and Bombala in NSW.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued heatwave warnings for multiple states, cautioning residents to take precautions.
The intense heat is not only about the high temperatures but also the duration, with consistent heat persisting day and night.
These conditions, although not necessarily record-breaking, can have a severe impact on health, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
In South Australia, Adelaide recorded temperatures reaching 36°C by early Friday, with Mt Gambier experiencing a rise to 34°C, nearly 13°C higher than the spring average.
The towns near the Victorian border, such as Naracoorte, Renmark, and Lameroo, also saw temperatures surpassing 38°C.
Melbourne was not spared either, hitting 32°C by 1 pm, and it’s expected to continue warming through the weekend.
Experts from the Bureau of Meteorology warn that the heatwave can be particularly dangerous due to the unrelenting high temperatures that last through the night.
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury emphasized that the long duration of heatwaves, especially the lack of cooling overnight, makes it more taxing on residents.
Relief is in sight, as forecasts predict a shift in weather patterns by Saturday, with cooler conditions and increased cloud cover approaching from the west.
However, the heat is expected to persist in parts of New South Wales until midweek, leaving residents to cope with the sweltering temperatures a bit longer.
In addition to the heatwave, Queensland is also dealing with ongoing minor flood warnings in certain areas, where recent heavy rainfall has caused catchments to overflow.
Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and avoid driving through flooded streets.
With this combination of extreme heat and potential flooding, residents are strongly advised to remain indoors, stay hydrated, and seek cool places like shopping centers or community hubs to protect their health.