Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over parts of central, southern, and far northern region through at least Jan. 21 /update 6

High temperatures are likely to continue across parts of central, southern, and far northern Australia through at least Jan. 21. As of Jan. 16, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe heatwave warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for Gascoyne, Lower West, South West, Great Southern, and Central Wheat Belt districts in Western Australia, North West Pastoral District in South Australia, and Lasseter District in Northern Territory through Jan. 17. Low-intensity heatwave conditions are forecast across the rest of the affected area over the same period.

Extreme to severe heatwave conditions are forecast over parts of the interior, as well as isolated pockets in the Pilbara in Western Australia and parts of northwestern South Australia through Jan. 21. Severe to low-intensity heatwave conditions are likely over the remaining interior, central, and southern parts of Western Australia, far northwestern South Australia, and the Tiwi Islands, southern and far northern Northern Territory. Low-intensity heatwave conditions are forecast over the rest of the affected area over the same period.

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 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.