Weather warning: The first heatwave of summer set to scorch Australia
Experts have warned to take extra care as scorching heat is set to hit Australia on Friday, with the hottest November day in three years predicted.
Very high temperatures were already expected but, hot dessert air coming to the south and south-eastern capitals could make for an even more sweltering day, reports news.com.au.
“We’re expecting the hottest temperatures since early 2018 between Wednesday and Friday and some of highest maximum November temperatures for up to three years,” Tom Saunders, meteorologist for Sky News Weather, predicted.
NSW, Queensland and South Australia could be hit the hardest with inland areas possibly topping 40C. Sydney may experience temperatures of over 38C and Adelaide 36C. It’s a huge leap in average temperatures for November possibly topping an increase of 10C.
But the heat is due to ramp up today with a burst of hot air from inland Queensland moving down to southern states. Adelaide is expected to hit predicted 36C, Port Augusta 39C and the heat will top 40C in the Northern Territory. In Melbourne’s CBD it will be a hot one at 33C, but on Friday, NSW will be one of the hardest hit states, with air conditioners no doubt on overload with an expected 37C and in the western suburbs 40C.
If temperatures do crack 37C in Sydney, it will make a record for November as the hottest day in three years.
The NSW coast including Sydney is expected to experience a low intensity heatwave according to the Bureau of Meteorology, from Thursday through to Saturday.
But if you live in Brisbane, Perth or Hobart you’ll be better off with expected temperatures of 29C to the low-30s, the mid-20s, and 24C respectively.
Experts have warned to take extra care during the heatwave particularly the elderly, children, and pets.
“Heat can kill which is why it’s so important to stay hydrated and look out for the elderly, the young and pets,” Alan Morrison, NSW Ambulance chief superintendent, told news.com.au.
The site reports that almost 4500 people were treated by paramedics for dehydration between December 2017 and March 2018, and many more for heat exhaustion.
We may also expect bushfire warnings.
“Winds will average 40km/h so that could mean severe fire danger in the Mallee and some parts of South Australia, and fires will be fast moving and difficult to control,” said Saunders.
But look forward to the weekend with a cool change expected.