The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for a severe heatwave affecting south-east Australia and a tropical cyclone threatening Western Australia over the long weekend. Heatwave conditions are impacting South Australia, Victoria, southern Queensland, and New South Wales, with extreme heatwave warnings in place for five states and territories.
Forecaster Jonathan How said temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid 40s Celsius in some areas, with the hottest conditions in northern Victoria, inland New South Wales, and southern Queensland. Nighttime temperatures will offer little relief, making conditions uncomfortable for sleeping.
Catastrophic and extreme fire warnings have been issued for southern South Australia and western and south-west Victoria. The Yorke Peninsula in South Australia faces catastrophic fire conditions. Authorities urge people heading outdoors to monitor updates from local fire services.
Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Luana has strengthened to a category one system and is expected to cross the coast between Beagle Bay and Cape Leveque in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. A warning is in place from Broome to Kuri Bay, with a watch zone from Bidyadanga to Mitchell Plateau.
Meteorologist Jessica Lingard warned of damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and coastal inundation, particularly for Derby during Saturday and Sunday. The cyclone is forecast to move southward after crossing the coast, bringing increased rainfall to interior WA and potentially reaching the Great Australian Bight.
