Australia's heat wave to peak with temperatures nearing 50C, extreme fire danger

By Gizem Nisa Demir

ISTANBUL (AA) - A record-breaking heat wave in southeast Australia is expected to peak this week, pushing temperatures close to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) and creating extreme fire risks across multiple states, according to local media.

ABC News reported on Monday that the prolonged heat, already lifting temperatures to 21C (38F) above average, is expected to deliver seven to eight consecutive days above 40C (104F) across large inland areas—the longest such stretch since the 1930s in parts of New South Wales.

On Monday, South Australia recorded historic highs, including 49.5C (121.1F) in Ceduna, marking the town’s hottest day on record, while Melbourne is expected to see its hottest maximum temperature in 17 years on Tuesday.

Meteorologists said the extreme conditions are being driven by a slow-moving high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere, forming an intense “heat dome” that has strengthened over several days.

Forecasts warn that Victoria could record a new all-time high of 49C (120.2F), with near-record temperatures also expected in New South Wales and South Australia.

The fire danger is expected to peak on Tuesday as gusty northwesterly winds, very low humidity, and dry lightning combine ahead of a southwesterly change, prompting “extreme” fire danger ratings in several districts.

While slightly cooler air is forecast later in the week, the heat is expected to linger until the weekend, with towns such as Wagga Wagga and Albury on track for their longest run of days above 40C (104F) since 1939, according to ABC News.