Australia is currently approaching the end of a prolonged severe to extreme heatwave that affected the majority of southern and inland Australia. Severe heatwave conditions mean that young, elderly or ill people are vulnerable to heat related illnesses with minor impacts on infrastructure including electricity supply. Extreme heatwave conditions mean that all people are vulnerable to heat related illnesses with moderate to major impacts on infrastructure possible, particularly if these conditions persist for more than 3 consecutive days.
Bureau of Meteorology heatwave service valid for Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 and Friday 18 January 2019. A large area of extreme heatwave conditions were experienced over large areas of highly populated eastern New South Wales
It comes off the back of heatwave conditions over the Christmas and New Year period. Heatwaves are a normal feature of Australian summers, but it is quite unusual to see two significant and record breaking heatwaves in a short period time.
The heatwave that has impacted large areas of the Australian continent 12-19 January 2019 featured maximum daytime temperatures broadly 8 to 12°C above average, with some locations reaching up to 16°C above average with temperatures generally in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Overnight minimum temperatures were broadly 6 to 10°C above average, locally reaching up to 12°C above average with temperatures generally in the 20s to mid-30s.
Numerous location specific January and all-time records for daytime maximum and overnight minimum temperatures were broken across inland areas of the states of Western Australia, South Austalia, New South Wales and Victoria. Some of which included:
- 49.0°C (120°F) Tarcoola, SA - highest all-time daytime maximum temperature
- 48.9°C (120°F) Port Augusta, SA - highest all-time daytime maximum temperature
- 35.9°C (96.6°F) Noona, NSW - highest minimum temperature on record for Australia!
- 33.0°C (91°F) Meekatharra, WA - highest all-time minimum temperature on record
Some inland locations across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria recorded 5 consecutive days above 45°C (113°F).
A couple of other interesting statistics from this event:
- Canberra, ACT recorded 4 consecutive days of 40°C (104°F) or above; the first time in its history.
Interestingly, the number of days of 40°C or more recorded for the period 1913-2006 (93 yrs): 9. The number of days of 40°C or more 2007-today (12 yrs): 16. - Ernabella, SA recorded an all-time record maximum temperature 44.5°C (112°F) which resides at an elevation of 703 m above mean sea level. That's equivalent to a sea level temperature of 51.4°C (124.5°F).
Another bout of very hot conditions are expected across southern Australia mid- to late next week ahead of a vigorous cold front which will pose a potentially significant fire weather risk exacerbated by strong winds and low humidity.