Severe to Extreme Heatwave Warnings in all states and territories except Tasmania, Australia

BOM has issued Severe to Extreme Heatwave Warnings for New South Wales (NSW), the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Victoria on December 14, forecasting temperatures to soar 8 to 16 °C (15 to 29 °F) above average.

The hottest regions are projected to be parts of South Australia, Victoria, and inland New South Wales, where temperatures could reach 45 °C (113 °F). Strong winds accompanying the heatwave are expected to exacerbate fire dangers in South Australia and Victoria.

South Australia and Victoria face high fire risks due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. Extreme fire danger has been issued for several districts in South Australia on December 15, and similar warnings are in place for parts of Victoria.

Most of NSW will experience low-intensity heatwave conditions with the southwestern areas facing severe heat, including Broken Hill, Bourke, and Canberra.

Temperatures are forecast to range from 35 to 45 °C (95 to 113 °F).

Sydney is expected to reach a maximum of 30 °C (86 °F) on December 14 and December 15, with slightly cooler temperatures expected from December 16.

Victoria is under both low and severe heatwave warnings near the NSW border in areas such as Wangaratta and Albury–Wodonga. Melbourne is forecast to reach 32 °C (90 °F) on December 15 with regional areas expected to hit 40 °C (104 °F) or more over the weekend.

Heatwave conditions are concentrated in Queensland’s interior and northern regions.

Towns around Mount Isa and Cloncurry are expected to endure severe to extreme heatwave conditions with temperatures climbing to the mid-40s (113 °F).

Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast are likely to remain unaffected by the heatwave but will experience warm and humid conditions with maximum temperatures around 35 °C (95 °F) on December 15.

Severe Heatwave Warnings cover most of South Australia with the Adelaide region forecast to reach a scorching 40 °C (104 °F) on December 15. Regional areas such as Port Augusta and Coober Pedy may experience even higher temperatures. These conditions are expected to persist until December 17.

Western Australia has experienced heatwave conditions in its southern regions, including Perth, where temperatures peaked at 40 °C (104 °F) on December 13. A low-intensity heatwave is forecast to continue in the Kimberley region, while southern parts of the state may see temperatures easing slightly.

Severe to extreme heatwave conditions are expected in the Northern Territory, including Alice Springs and Darwin. Temperatures in these areas are forecast to hover in the mid-30s (95 °F) during the day and remain uncomfortably warm at night.

Tasmania remains unaffected by the heatwave. Hobart is expected to see milder conditions, with highs of 24 °C (75 °F) over the weekend.

The BOM forecasts a gradual cooling trend beginning December 18 as a southwesterly change moves across the southern parts of the country. Until then, residents are advised to take precautions and stay hydrated.

References:

¹ Weather forecast – BOM – December 14, 2024

Rishika Yadav

Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.

This author does not have any more posts.