Australia's Heatwave Nears End: Cooler Air Arrives

Australia's south-eastern regions have been experiencing a severe heatwave, with inland areas enduring over a week of temperatures above 40C. On Friday, parts of South Australia and western New South Wales recorded temperatures exceeding 50C, with some locations like Marree reaching record highs for the seventh consecutive day. This extreme heat is forecast to culminate on Saturday, with inland NSW expected to surpass 45C and Queensland's Thargomindah reaching 46C.

However, relief is on the horizon as a cool change, driven by a monsoon low in tropical north Australia, is set to bring cooler air. This change is predicted to significantly lower temperatures across Victoria and South Australia by Saturday, and sweep through the rest of the south-east by Sunday. Some areas could see a drop of up to 15C, bringing an end to this intense period of heat. While parts of the north and west continue to swelter, southern areas will experience much milder conditions.

Amidst the heat, two fires in Victoria, at Carlisle River and Walwa, remained uncontrolled, though at a watch and act level. Looking ahead, Australia is experiencing its second major January heatwave, a phenomenon linked to global heating, which increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Long-range forecasts suggest hotter-than-average days and nights may continue until April.