South-East Australia Braces for Extreme Heat, High Fire Danger and Destructive Winds
A surge of intense heat and damaging winds is forecast to sweep across south-east Australia this week, with high fire danger predicted for much of eastern Australia, becoming extreme in areas of New South Wales.Record-breaking temperatures are already being observed across multiple states and territories, raising concerns about bushfire risk and public health.
The approaching weather system represents an early and meaningful heatwave for the region, with several locations nearing or perhaps exceeding all-time October high temperatures. While a cooler southerly change is expected to provide relief, the initial impact will be widespread and potentially hazardous.
State-by-State Forecasts:
* New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory: Temperatures are forecast to reach 43°C in Tibooburra and Bourke on Tuesday. The October record stands at 43.9°C, set in Brewarrina in 1919.
* Northern Territory: Jervois recorded 42.8°C on Monday, October 20. the October record is 45.0°C, recorded at Wave Hill in 2002.
* Queensland: birdsville and Bedourie are forecast to reach 45°C on Tuesday. The October record is 45.1°C, also set in Birdsville in 1995. A brief period of hot westerlies will impact south-east Queensland, including Brisbane, on Thursday, though wind speeds are expected to remain relatively low.
* South Australia: Moomba is forecast to reach 45°C on Tuesday. The October record is 45.4°C, recorded at Oodnadatta in 1995.
* Tasmania: Hobart Airport reached 29.3°C on Thursday, october 16. The October record is 34.6°C, set in Hobart in 1987.
* Victoria: Walpeup reached 36.8°C on Thursday, October 16. The October record is 40.2°C,recorded in Mildura in 2004.
* Western Australia: Telfer reached 44.3°C on saturday, October 18. The October record is 46.9°C, recorded at Port Hedland in 2002 – also Australia’s national October record.
