Severe to extreme heatwave conditions across northern and central Australia this week
07/12/2022
Issued: 2:30pm AEDT, Wednesday 7th December, 2022
Dry and hot conditions are building across northern and central Australia this week as dry air and clear skies allow the sun to heat up.
Prolonged heat through central and northern Western Australia, Northern Territory, and western and northern Queensland is leading to severe to locally extreme heatwave conditions.
Heatwave warnings are current for large parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Heatwave warnings extend into south-east Queensland, including around Brisbane.
Maximum temperatures for the rest of this week will climb into the low to mid 40s across northern Australia, and into the mid to high 30s for south-east Queensland and central Western Australia. These daytime averages are 4 to 8 degrees above average, and for many areas, these will be the hottest conditions since March.
Marble Bar, Western Australia reached 45.7 degrees on Monday and Tuesday and is forecast to reach 45 degrees on Wednesday.
Birdsville, Avon Downs (NT), Telfer and Wyndham are forecast to reach at least 45 degrees this week.
Cloncurry, Charleville, Longreach, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Katherine, Roebourne and Argyle are forecast to reach at least 42 degrees this week.
Brisbane is forecast to reach 37 degrees on Thursday, making it the warmest day since December 2019.
Elevated fire dangers are in place for many parts of Australia this week including areas in Western Australia, southern Northern Territory, western Queensland and parts of South Australia
Fire Weather Warnings have been issued.
Relief will arrive in south-east Queensland on Thursday afternoon, with gusty thunderstorms and a cool change. Heat will persist elsewhere until at least this weekend.
Tropical activity looks to increase during next week, helping to flush out stagnant heat.
High daytime temperatures followed by high overnight minimums will provide little relief from the heat and poses a health risk to residents, tourists and livestock. Communities are encouraged to take necessary precautions and to seek advice from health professional or the local health authorities.
For all the latest warnings see National Warnings Summary (bom.gov.au).
Know your weather, know your risk. Communities should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via our website and BOM Weather app and follow advice of emergency services.
