Although summer officially begins in Australia next week with the solstice, millions of residents are gearing up for an intense heatwave expected to strike this weekend and persist into the coming week. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology defines a heatwave as:
… when the maximum and minimum temperatures are unusually hot over three days.
In this case, hot, dry air driven by northern winds is anticipated to spread from Australia’s interior to the eastern and southeastern regions. The Bureau forecasts the heatwave will extend from Canberra, the nation’s capital, toward Darwin in the Northern Territory starting Saturday, December 14.
Heatwave Warnings in Effect
Warnings have been issued for multiple regions, including the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria. This widespread heatwave highlights the severity of the upcoming weather event.
Heatwaves: A Deadly Threat
According to the Australian Red Cross, heatwaves and extreme temperatures have caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural disaster. When the Bureau labels an event as a “severe heatwave,” it signals an occurrence that is uncommon for this time of year and poses heightened risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Forecast Temperatures
In Canberra, the forecast highs for the weekend and early next week provide a glimpse of the heatwave’s intensity:
- Saturday, December 14: 33°C (91°F)
- Sunday, December 15: 36°C (97°F)
- Monday, December 16: 39°C (102°F)
Preparing for the Heat
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Red Cross urge residents to take proactive measures to stay safe during the heatwave:
- Consult your doctor: Check how the heat may affect your health or any medications you’re taking.
- Stay cool: Ensure fans and air conditioning systems are in working order, and consider purchasing additional cooling equipment if needed.
- Plan for power outages: Have a strategy in place, such as locating nearby cooling centers where you can seek refuge if the power goes out.
- Check on others: Make sure elderly neighbors and those with medical conditions are prepared and staying hydrated.
Relief on the Horizon
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a reprieve later in the week, with temperatures expected to drop to more seasonal levels. Until then, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and take all necessary precautions to endure the extreme conditions.
For more tips on staying safe during a heatwave, visit the Australian Red Cross or the Bureau of Meteorology’s official websites.
Why Nighttime Heat Matters
When we talk about heatwaves, we don’t just mean hot days. Warm nights are also important!
Your body cools down at night to recover from the heat of the day. But if it stays too warm at night, your body doesn’t get a chance to rest properly. This can make it harder to handle the heat the next day, which isn’t good for your health.
To understand how intense a heatwave is, meteorologists (weather experts) use something called the Excess Heat Factor (EHF). This measures not just how hot it is during the heatwave (which lasts at least three days) but also compares it to how hot it’s been over the past month. This helps them figure out how hard the heatwave will be on people’s bodies.
What You Need to Know
Heatwave warnings are in place for a lot of areas, including:
- The Northern Territory
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- The Australian Capital Territory
- Victoria
If you’re in these areas, be ready, stay cool, and take care of yourself and others!
Via Australia Bureau of Meteorology
