Australia’s east coast is bracing for a scorching heatwave this week, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, making parts of the country some of the hottest places in the world.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued warnings for residents across northern New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory as a mass of intense heat moves eastward from central Australia.
In Queensland and the Northern Territory, temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C, with areas such as the Central West, Channel Country, and Maranoa facing a “severe heatwave.”
The BoM predicts that these regions will experience highs in the 30s to low 40s, with overnight temperatures remaining in the low to mid-20s.
This extreme heat is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, posing serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with existing medical conditions.
Vulnerable groups are urged to take precautions as temperatures in Queensland and NT exceed 40°C.Coastal cities like Brisbane and Sydney will also see elevated temperatures, with Brisbane forecasted to reach 31-34°C throughout the week. Sydney and Canberra are expected to hit the low 30s on Wednesday and Thursday, while Melbourne will see a high of 33°C mid-week.
Even southern cities like Hobart and Adelaide are not immune, with highs predicted to reach 28°C and 30°C, respectively.
November’s heat is a typical feature of Australia’s climate, as increasing solar intensity leads to greater heating.
In the northern half of the country, uninterrupted sunlight results in some of the highest surface air temperatures in the world during this time of year.
The BoM advises residents to stay cool by seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces and closing blinds to block the heat.
For those vulnerable to the heat, taking precautions is vital to avoid serious health risks, especially during the peak of the heatwave later in the week.