- Melbourne could hit 41C on Monday
- Canberra should reach about 39C on Monday
- Western Sydney is predicted to climb to about 41C on Tuesday
Extreme heat warnings are in place for multiple states as a sweltering heatwave brings one of the hottest December days in years.
Temperatures in the high-40s are expected in parts of Victoria and NSW, while the Northern Territory faces severe to extreme heatwave conditions for much of the next three days.
Hot, dry and gusty north-westerly winds are expected to bring high bushfire risks to parts of NSW and extreme bushfire risks to most of Victoria.
In Sydney, Penrith and Richmond are forecast to hit 39 while Camden is tipped to hit 37. Temperatures across the harbour city are predicted to stay high throughout the week.
Extreme fire danger has been declared in Victoria’s central and western districts while Melbourne, with an expected forecast of 41C, will face its hottest day since January 2023 and its hottest December day since 2019.
The heatwave marks an early start to summer and could break a number of December records in parts of the nation.
The mercury is expected to hit 46C in Mildura in the Victoria’s northwest, 45C in Swan Hill and 44C in Horsham.
Parts of inland NSW could face even more extreme heat than Victoria.
A maximum temperature of 47C is expected in Wilcannia, in central northwestern NSW, and 46.5C in Ivanhoe, about 180 kilometres further south.
Australia braces for a brutal heatwave, with temperatures soaring to nearly 50C in some regions
Melbourne is expected to hit a scorching 41C today – the hottest December day since 2019
A cold front is expected to reach western Victoria around 3pm on Monday, bringing relief to Melbourne and central parts of Victoria by around 9pm.
‘There will be still a risk of storms in the east during Tuesday and showers in that south-westerly,’ Mr Trainor said.
‘But essentially, all that heat goes away on Tuesday.’
The heatwave has prompted a warning from Weatherzone urging people to take precautions and prevent heat-related deaths this year.
‘Heatwaves cause more deaths in Australia than any other natural disaster,’ a spokesperson said.
Aussies are expected to stay cool by heading to the beaches as temperatures soar
‘You can mitigate the effects of a heatwave by staying inside a cool building during the hottest part of the day, avoiding sports during the day, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, taking cool showers or bath and avoiding direct exposure to the sun where possible.’
Victoria’s Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas also urged Victorians to check on those most at risk, and stay inside as much as possible.
