'Extreme' heatwave to bring 10 degree temperature jump
A heatwave is set to inflict sweltering conditions across southern Australia with some cities experiencing temperatures more than 10 degrees above the mid-January average.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a heatwave warning beginning Tuesday with the hot air moving east and inflicting steamy conditions before peaking on the weekend.
Weatherzone meteorologist Joel Pippard told Yahoo News Australia the heatwave will be widespread from Friday.
Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra to swelter on Sunday
“Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Tasmania will all be affected by the heatwave,” Mr Pippard said.
“Parts of southeast NSW and eastern Victoria will experience extreme heatwave conditions.
“Bega, which has a January average of 26, is forecast to reach 42 on Monday so that’s 16 degrees above average. Albury-Wodonga averages 30 but Saturday could get to 40, and Sunday 42.
“Adelaide could hit 39 and 40 across the weekend, and it averages about 28 this time of year but what is more significant is Sunday morning is forecast to hit a low of 27. Normally, mornings in Adelaide this time of year are meant to reach 11.”
Parts of southern and southeastern Australia will endure a Severe to Extreme #heatwave between now and Australian Day, with daytime temperatures climbing 10ºC above the midsummer average in some areas. This image shows forecast surface temperatures at 4pm AEST each day. pic.twitter.com/Z5f4r1Wspp
— Ben Domensino (@Ben_Domensino) January 20, 2021
Mr Pippard added Canberra, which is near the severe heatwave region, could climb to 37 on Saturday, Sunday 38 and Monday 39. It normally averages 27 at this time of the year.
Tasmania won’t experience any extreme heatwave conditions but parts of the east coast are forecast for low-intensity to severe heatwaves.
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Launceston and Hobart will mostly experience tops in the mid to high 20s while Coles Bay and Bicheno, along the east coast, could reach 30 by Monday.
Sydney won’t experience severe heatwave conditions but temperatures will increase slightly from Friday through to Tuesday to tops in the low 30s. On Wednesday, Sydney hit a top of 22 by 2pm AEDT while on Tuesday it reached about the same temperature.
Cyclones off WA coast generating heat
Melbourne is in for a hot Sunday with a potential top of 38, following a Saturday reaching 29, but it should also largely avoid large spikes in temperature.
As for what’s causing the heat, Mr Pippard explained cyclones off the northwest shelf are helping to generate warmer temperatures.
“You see extra heat building in this kind of set up,” he said.
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