Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over eastern, north-central, and western regions through at least Feb. 2 /update 8

High temperatures are likely to continue across parts of eastern, north-central, and western Australia through at least Feb. 2. The most intense heat is expected to occur in parts of western and north-central Western Australia around Jan. 30-31. As of Jan. 29, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued extreme heatwave warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for parts of the Gascoyne Forecast District in Western Australia and North Tropical Coast and Tablelands districts in Queensland. Severe heatwave warnings have been issued for parts of Barkly and Tanami districts in Northern Territory; Kimberley, Pilbara, North Interior, Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal, and Great Southern districts in Western Australia; and Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia, and Wide Bay and Burnett districts in Queensland. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for bushfire growth throughout the affected regions. 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 vehicles, 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.