Heatwave conditions across much of south-east Australia, easing tomorrow

27/12/2022

Issued: Tuesday, 27 December 2022

High temperatures are forecast across south-east Australia today and tomorrow, with many locations expecting their hottest temperatures since last summer.

Low to severe-intensity heatwave conditions are expected across southern South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania for Tuesday and Wednesday, marking the first significant heatwave across the region this summer.

Heatwave warnings are currently in place for much of south-east Australia, with hot northerly winds pushing maximum temperatures to be 6-16°C above average on Tuesday.

Heatwaves are more than just high daily maximum temperatures; they also take into consideration how much it cools down overnight.

Temperatures across the south-east capitals for 27 December 2022 include:

• Melbourne: Maximum of 37C, with an overnight minimum of 26C on 28 Dec
• Adelaide: Maximum of 40C, with an overnight minimum of 17C on 28 Dec
• Hobart: Maximum of 30C, with an overnight minimum of 22C on 28 Dec

Elsewhere, maximum temperatures will climb into the mid-to-high 30s for coastal areas, and into the high-30s to low 40s inland.

Fire Weather Warnings are current in parts of South Australia, with fire danger ratings reaching Extreme Levels in some areas. Fire Danger Ratings will reach Moderate to High in other areas.

The community is urged to take the necessary precautions to remain heat smart and stay safe over the holiday period.

Northerly winds will increase ahead of the cool change from Wednesday morning particularly through elevated areas of Victoria and Tasmania.

A Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds has been issued for the Central and Eastern ranges in Victoria, including the Grampians and Otways, and for southern, central and eastern districts of Tasmania. Gusty conditions are also likely through Melbourne and Hobart.

Winds above 90km/h will develop from early Wednesday morning, easing later in the day as the cool change arrives.

Cool change expected to hit parts of South Australia from Tuesday afternoon, and then pushing east.

A cold front will bring a cool change to western and central districts of South Australia during Tuesday afternoon, reaching Adelaide and south-eastern districts from the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The cool change will sweep over Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales throughout Wednesday morning and afternoon. It is expected to reach Melbourne around midday, and Hobart during the afternoon.

Showers will accompany the cold front, and isolated thunderstorms are possible.
Maximum temperatures will fall by 10 to 15°C as the change moves through, to average or below average on Thursday and Friday.

Sydney to Hobart Race conditions.

For yachts arriving in Hobart winds are expected to swing from northerlies tonight to south-westerly, in the early afternoon tomorrow. This will be brought on with the cool change, also seeing a slight chance of a shower.

New Year's Eve Forecast.

Cooler days will be short lived over south-east Australia, with temperatures warming up again into New Year's Eve, and becoming warm to hot.

The current New Year's Eve forecast (Midnight temperature - New Year's Day maximum and conditions):

• Sydney 20C - 26C. Shower or two.
• Melbourne 19C - 34C. Partly cloudy.
• Brisbane 22C - 30C. Possible shower.
• Perth 20C - 32C. Sunny.
• Adelaide 17C - 32C. Sunny.
• Hobart 15C - 27C. Partly cloudy.
• Canberra 15C - 27C. Partly cloudy.
• Darwin 26C - 30C. Showers. Storm.

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

ENDS