Residents along Australia’s east coast should brace themselves for an intense heatwave this week, as several states are poised to experience unprecedented October temperatures.
This forecast follows a surge of heat originating from Western Australia’s north-west, which is now making its way across the nation.
There is a possibility that South Australia’s previous October heat record of 45.4 degrees in Oodnadatta could be surpassed, with predictions indicating temperatures may soar to 46 degrees on Monday.
Queensland’s far south-west is expected to endure its hottest day on Monday, with temperatures projected to hit 45 degrees.
Currently, New South Wales holds an October temperature record of 43.9 degrees in the state’s north-west, but parts of the upper-west could see temperatures rise to about 43 degrees on Tuesday.
The Australian Capital Territory might reach 32 degrees on both Monday and Tuesday, approaching its own October temperature record of 32.7 degrees.
However as the week progresses, there will be some relief for parts of the country.
According to Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Dean Narramore, a low-pressure system will develop in the Bight on Tuesday, bringing showers to southern WA.
The weather system will also bring patchy rain and isolated thunderstorms to South Australia and western Victoria.
“Hot and dry conditions will continue across much of northern and eastern Australia,” Narramore said.
“Wednesday will see rain and thunderstorms move across Tasmania, Victoria and inland NSW as a low in the Bight moves eastwards.
“Ahead of the rain it will be very hot and windy across eastern and northern NSW with elevated fire dangers.
“There will be dry, sunny weather elsewhere.”
“High pressure will dominate much of the country’s weather on Thursday, meaning dry and mostly sunny weather for many.
“The only wet weather will be a few light showers in Tasmania, southern parts of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.”
