Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

 
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Early summer heatwave to sweep across Australia this week

18/12/2013

Temperatures are forecast to spike across inland and eastern Australia as heatwave conditions affecting Western Australia over the past week are driven east across Australia.

Bureau of Meteorology Assistant Director for Weather Services, Alasdair Hainsworth, says widespread temperatures in the high-30s and low-40s are forecast for large parts of the continent, particularly inland Australia.

"This is the first heatwave of the summer, so it's important to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to heat.

"Holidaymakers are urged to be mindful of the weather conditions in making their travel plans, and visit the Bureau's website for detailed forecast information in your local area," said Mr Hainsworth.

"Fire dangers are expected to be Very High to Extreme across several states, and the public is urged to check these in their local area," he said.

What is causing the heat? A large high pressure system in the Tasman Sea is moving slowly eastwards, directing northerly-winds over much of Central Australia, which is driving the heat in a south-easterly direction. A trough of low pressure will approach southeastern Australia towards the end of the week, causing winds to increase ahead of the cool change forecast on Friday.

  • In Western Australia Perth experienced a run of five days above 35C, between 12-16 December, with temperatures peaking at 40C on Saturday.
  • In South Australia temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-40s today (Wednesday), becoming more widespread on Thursday, before gradually shifting toward the northeast on Saturday.
  • In Adelaide temperatures are forecast to peak at 40C on Thursday.
  • In Victoria temperatures in the high-30s today (Wednesday) and low-40s in the north of the state (Thursday and Friday), before gradually easing following a cool change on Friday afternoon.
  • In Melbourne temperatures are forecast to peak at 40C on Thursday.
  • In New South Wales temperatures are forecast to reach the high-30s and low-40s over inland areas on Thursday, continuing into early next week over northern parts of the state.
  • Temperatures are forecast to peak at 37C in Canberra and 39C in Western Sydney on Friday.

For detailed forecast temperature maps go to:
www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/