Half of Australia could experience extreme heat and possible high fire danger this long weekend as meteorologists warn of rising temperatures.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a severe heatwave for South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and parts of southern NSW from Friday to Monday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a severe heatwave for South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and parts of southern NSW from Friday to Monday.
Angus Hines, the agency’s senior meteorologist, said while southeastern parts of Australia would brace for warm conditions, storms were forecast for the northern and western parts of the country.
Mr Hines said residents of South Australia and Victoria can expect to battle through temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s on Saturday and Sunday.
“We expect Melbourne to experience the hottest day of the summer, even though we are technically in autumn now,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tasmania can expect 30 degrees or more this weekend.
“We will see a slightly cooler day in Hobart on Sunday and even into Monday,” Mr Hines said.
Unfortunately, residents won’t experience any relief from the heat as record temperatures could be broken between Saturday and Sunday.
“(There will be) 25 degrees plus for much of South Australia and Victoria (overnight), while all parts of Tasmania will remain above 20 degrees throughout the night,” Mr Hines said.
Angus Hines, the bureau’s senior meteorologist, said residents of South Australia and Victoria can expect to battle through temperatures in the 30s to 40s on Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, a total fire ban has been issued for Victoria as moderate northerly to north-westerly winds blow through the state.
The ban means that no fire may be lit or left burning in the open air on Saturdays from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said communities should be aware of the fire risk in the areas they traveled to this long weekend and stay informed.
“We expect northwesterly winds of 40 km/h south-west in the morning, with gusts of 50 km/h in the afternoon, before a south-westerly change later in the day,” Heffernan said.
“The central district will see northerly winds of up to 45 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h in the central areas.”
The rest of Victoria is under high fire danger ratings, with widespread wind gusts of up to 60km/h expected to reach the western part of the state in the afternoon.
“We ask people to follow the strict terms of the TFB statement and think about the activities they want to undertake this long weekend,” he said.
‘Understand how the increased fire risk will affect you and ensure your bushfire survival plan covers all possible contingencies, and stay informed via the VicEmergency app.’
Heat wave hits several states. Image WeatherZone 3.JPG
Queensland
Brisbane will reach a top of 29 degrees on Saturday.
Mr Hines said some rain could fall in the south-east on Sunday.
“Much drier for the eastern part of the province, but we will see a few showers along the (east) coast, especially north of Sydney, not much rain, but a few peaks and spots in northern NSW and Queensland,” he said.
N.S.W
Coastal NSW will reach the upper 20s with some light rainfall this weekend.
Sydney residents can expect highs in the 30s across the city, although this could reach the mid 30s in the west.
Western Australia
Meanwhile, Mr Hines warns that some parts of the state could see heavy rainfall of up to 100mm to 150mm, with temperatures fluctuating.
“It’s about average in the north, and cooler than average in south-west Australia, but not many complaints there after a very hot summer,” he said.
‘A slow-moving weather element in southern WA will bring persistent rain.’
Northern parts of WA will experience heavy rainfall on Friday, while southern parts of the state will bear the brunt on Saturday.