Southeastern Australia is currently in the grips of a severe November heatwave, with temperatures soaring more than 10 degrees Celsius above average in many areas. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued urgent warnings for residents across Victoria, eastern South Australia, and southwestern New South Wales to stay indoors and keep hydrated as the intense heat persists.
Record-Breaking November Temperatures
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, some of the most extreme temperatures have been recorded around the Central and East Gippsland regions of Victoria and near Eden, Bega, and Bombala in NSW. Renmark and Lameroo in South Australia saw the mercury climb to a scorching 38°C on Friday, over 10 degrees higher than the November average.
Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.
Bureau of Meteorology heatwave warning
The bureau advises those in affected areas to seek out cool places like homes, libraries, shopping centers or community centers. Using fans or air conditioning is recommended if possible to stay comfortable during the extreme heat.
Melbourne and Adelaide Swelter
Melbourne reached 32°C by Friday afternoon, with even hotter weather forecast for Saturday, when the city is predicted to hit a maximum of 36°C. In South Australia, Adelaide climbed to 36°C on Friday as the heatwave took hold.
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury explained that it’s the relentless nature of heatwaves that makes them so impactful, rather than single days of extreme temperatures. “It’s when those hot conditions don’t shift for days and nights on end – that’s when we start to see it take its toll,” she said.
Cooler Change on the Way
There is some relief in sight, with Bradbury noting that increasing cloud cover and potential rainfall should help mitigate the heat from Saturday in Victoria. Melbourne can expect a cooling wind change by Saturday afternoon.
However, she warned that the reprieve will take longer to reach NSW, where severe heatwave conditions could persist in some areas until the middle of next week. Residents are urged to stay updated on local forecasts and weather warnings.
Heatwave Safety Tips
With heatwaves presenting serious health risks, it’s crucial for those in affected areas to take precautions to stay safe. Some key tips include:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Avoid alcoholic, hot, or sugary drinks
- Stay indoors in cool areas during the hottest parts of the day
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles
- Check on elderly neighbors or those with health conditions
- Wear light, loose clothing and apply sunscreen when outdoors
By taking these simple steps and heeding official warnings, Australians can stay safe and hopefully ride out this intense early-season heatwave. With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events, building resilience and preparedness will only become more critical in the coming years.
