Extreme heat is set to engulf southeastern parts of Australia for what could be a prolonged period, with a potential hint of rain on the horizon—though it may not provide widespread relief. After a mild conclusion to the week, a high-pressure system is moving out to the Tasman Sea, allowing intense heat from the west and interior to funnel down into the southeast.
Intense Heat and Gusty Winds Expected
As temperatures soar into the 'very hot' range—surpassing 37°C near the coast and 40°C inland—the rapid rise will be accompanied by gusty north to northwesterly winds. This swift temperature increase over a short timeframe is largely driven by these winds, which effectively blow the heat into the region.
Coastal vs. Inland Impacts
For coastal areas, the extreme heat might be limited to just one day before a wind change brings milder conditions. However, inland regions face a harsher scenario, with no significant wind shift to offer respite. The heat could linger across the weekend and extend into early next week, creating challenging conditions for residents and wildlife alike.
Subsequently, another wind change is forecasted, leading to a renewed pulse of heat that will reach right through to the coast. This pattern underscores the severity of the heatwave, which is expected to persist through the weekend and into the start of the following week.
When Will the Heatwave End?
A proper weather system is needed to flush out the heat, and there are early indications of such a change from mid-next week. While the southeast bakes under scorching temperatures, the tropical north is experiencing significant wet weather. Already this January, parts of Queensland have recorded three times their monthly average rainfall due to the remnants of Cyclone Koji.
Tropical Low Brewing in the Kimberley
A new tropical low is developing in the Kimberley region. Unlike the previous cyclone remnants that stayed confined to Queensland, this system may spread its moisture more broadly. The leftover rain from this tropical low is currently showing signs of moving southwards, though its exact path remains uncertain a week out, with weather models providing only tentative guidance.
Current projections suggest the rain could push down through the interior of Western Australia, reach the coast, and then travel along the southern parts of South Australia, potentially extending into Victoria and New South Wales. However, as often happens, the system is likely to lose much of its intensity by the time it approaches Adelaide and moves eastwards. Nonetheless, it is a development worth monitoring in the mid to later parts of next week.
Ongoing Shower and Storm Activity
In the meantime, daily shower and storm activity continues over Queensland, particularly east of a persistent trough. This trough is expected to ease from around Sunday onwards, offering the southern half of Queensland a temporary break from the wet weather.
