Australia Sizzles: Heatwave Grips Nation

Communities across Australia are being urged to prepare for soaring temperatures as severe and extreme heatwave conditions develop. Heatwave warnings have been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, with an extreme warning signaling the highest risk level for the NSW south coast.

Temperatures began climbing on Thursday and are forecast to peak across Friday and Saturday, with some areas in New South Wales expecting highs in the low 40s. Senior meteorologist Christie Johnson highlighted that extreme heat is dangerous for all, especially with cumulative health impacts over three or more days. Vulnerable individuals are most at risk in areas under severe heatwave warnings.

Meanwhile, Western Australia's Kimberley, Pilbara, and North Interior regions are under a severe heatwave warning with temperatures ranging from the high 30s to mid-40s, expected to persist for about a week. Similar severe warnings are in place for parts of the Northern Territory, though conditions may ease by the weekend. A cool change is anticipated in New South Wales late Saturday into Sunday.