Bureau warns of extreme heat to continue throughout next week
04/01/2013
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that the heatwave, which has already affected several states, will continue unabated well into next week.
Assistant Director Weather Services, Alasdair Hainsworth, said that the very high temperatures already being experienced in Western Australia are now extending eastwards across the continent, driven by an extremely hot air mass.
“Extreme heat events, such as this one, have wide ranging impacts across agricultural and horticultural sectors, infrastructure and transport, and not least human health and safety,” said Mr Hainsworth.
Broadly, temperatures are expected to peak in the mid-40s in some inland locations.
“Locations including Alice Springs, Adelaide, Renmark, Melbourne, Mildura, Echuca, Albury, Broken Hill and Wagga Wagga all have temperatures of 40 degrees or higher forecast for today,” he said.
“Another concern is the amount of vegetation following two wet years, which has led to high fuel loads, that continue to dry out and raise concerns about increased bushfire risk. Fast moving grassfires are of particular concern.
“Increasing fire danger is anticipated in southeast Australia with hot and gusty northerly winds, followed by a southwesterly change late on Friday.
“There will be some temporary relief from the heat on Saturday with this weak change, moving eastwards over the weekend.
“The next change is then expected to move through southern inland and coastal regions around Tuesday or Wednesday next week, but in other areas temperatures are expected to remain high, with a continuation of heatwave conditions well into next week,” said Mr Hainsworth.
The Bureau is also providing advice through federal and state emergency services partnerships to help them prepare for the onset of this heatwave and its likely impacts.
For further information go to the Bureau's website for forecast temperatures, weather and warnings in your state and local region. Interviews with meteorologists and climate staff can be arranged on request, details provided below.
