Australia: High temperatures likely over most of the country through at least Dec. 6 /update 1

High temperatures are likely across most of Australia through at least Dec. 6. As of Dec. 1, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an extreme heatwave warning across the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands districts in Queensland through at least Dec. 3 and severe heatwave warnings over Tiwi District in Northern Territory and Peninsula, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, and Central Coast and Whitsundays districts in Queensland over the same period. Maximum temperatures of 35-39 C (95-102 F) are forecast, reaching 44 C (111 F) over inland parts of Cape York Peninsula.

Extreme heatwave conditions over northern parts of Queensland are likely to peak through Dec. 3, with severe heatwave conditions continuing through Dec. 6. Severe heatwave conditions over eastern parts of Queensland will probably ease from the south through Dec. 3, contracting north to be over Cape York Peninsula from Dec. 5, while severe heatwave conditions over the northern Northern Territory are forecast to ease from Dec. 6. Severe to extreme heatwave conditions are likely over inland central and northern Western Australia, northwest South Australia, Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, and far southwest Northern Territory Dec. 3-6. Low intensity heatwave conditions are forecast over the rest of northern Australia through Dec. 3 before spreading over a broad area of Western Australia, far western New South Wales, Northern Territory, western Queensland, and South Australia through Dec. 6. Officials could upgrade or expand the coverage of alerts as conditions change.

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for bushfire growth throughout the region. Heatwaves also threaten vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. The lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour may lead to some passengers' hospitalization.

Very high temperatures may damage road surfaces, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on engines, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.