Millions are bracing for severe heat this weekend as heatwave conditions move into four states in southern Australia.
A prolonged warm spell is lingering over the country in the second weekend of autumn, with temperatures forecast to climb to the high 30s in Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne and parts of southern NSW.
A heatwave warning has been declared in NSW this weekend, with severe conditions possible in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania starting from Friday and running to Sunday.
The weather pattern driving this unusually late blast of heat is known as a “blocking high”, a strong high pressure system that forms further south.
These systems move slowly, allowing heat to build up and linger while effectively blocking it from moving on.
Adelaide
Adelaide residents have already been sweating through warm days this week, with the temperature slowly climbing towards the 40C mark.
A high of 36C is forecast for Friday and the temperature is expected to peak at 39C on Saturday.
The heat is not supposed to subside until Tuesday.
Melbourne
It’s been a fairly mild week for Melbourne locals, with temperatures mostly staying in the mid-20s. However, a scorcher is on its way this weekend, with a high of 38C expected on Saturday.
No relief is in sight either, as temperatures are not expected to drop back below the 30s until next week.
Canberra
The nation’s capital is going to have a run of six days with temperatures in the 30s. The worst of the heat will peak on Tuesday.
Sydney
Sydney residents will escape the brunt of heat this weekend. The mercury is not expected to crack the 30s in the city, though to the west it could get as high as the mid-30s.
In far western NSW, a stretch of 40C is possible from the middle of next week.
Hobart
Parts of Tasmania will experience severe heatwave conditions on Saturday, with a high of 33C in Hobart.