Bureau of Meteorology predicts low intensity heatwaves for Australia Day weekend

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast that most of Australia will experience low intensity heatwaves during the long Australia Day weekend, although major cities are expected to be spared from the extreme heat.

A low-intensity heatwave warning has been issued for all of New South Wales (NSW), with the exception of Sydney, Wollongong, and the northern part of the state's coastline.

In Queensland, most regions outside of the larger cities will also face low-intensity heatwaves over Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Victoria and Tasmania appear to avoid the extreme heat until Monday.

Western Australia (WA) and the Northern Territory are expecting inland heatwaves, while South Australia is warned to prepare for heatwave conditions.

Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury from the Bureau of Meteorology mentioned that a low-pressure trough is likely to bring storms to Queensland on Saturday, while a low-pressure system will provide some cooling in the southwest of WA.

“In the southeast of Queensland, we have areas of high pressure which will promote warmer conditions but generally settled weather this weekend,” she stated.

North, central, and southern Queensland are likely to experience rain on Saturday, with the possibility of heavy falls in the central interior, such as Barcaldine, which may see temperatures up to 42 degrees.

However, major cities in southeastern Queensland are expected to have mostly sunny weather and no significant rain, continuing until Tuesday.

NSW's long weekend is predicted to be dry and hot inland, while coastal areas will experience milder temperatures. The heatwave is moving down from the north but is not expected to reach coastal cities.

Sydney will enjoy a mostly sunny Saturday and Sunday, with clear skies predicted for Monday and a maximum temperature of 27 degrees. Northeastern NSW may see rain on Sunday.

Victoria will remain mostly sunny until Monday when temperatures are expected to rise into the 40s due to the heatwave. Melbourne is forecast to reach 42 degrees on Monday, while Albury-Wodonga, Echuca, and Horsham could hit 41 degrees.

Tasmania may experience some rain during the long weekend, but the heatwave is expected to arrive on Monday, with Hobart forecasted to reach a top of 33 degrees with potential showers.

In South Australia, the far northwest is set to endure severe heatwaves, while the rest of the state will experience slightly less intense heat.

Adelaide is projected to be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures of 31, 37, and 35 degrees over the long weekend.

In the west, Perth and the Great Southern region will avoid the heatwaves affecting the rest of WA, with some rain expected on Saturday morning, followed by sunny conditions and maximum temperatures in the low 30s for the duration of the long weekend. The coast from Jurien Bay to Coral Bay will experience windy conditions on Sunday and Monday, while the Mid West and Gascoyne regions could see temperatures soar into the 40s. The Pilbara region is anticipating dry, gusty storms and intense heatwave conditions.

In the top end, Alice Springs will experience hot, clear skies this weekend, while Darwin may encounter storms accompanied by rain.