Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory, and South Australia through at least Jan. 16 /update 5

High temperatures are likely to continue across parts of Western Australia, southern Northern Territory, and South Australia. As of Jan. 11, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued extreme heatwave warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for Goldfields, Eucla, and South Interior districts in Western Australia and North West Pastoral District in South Australia through Jan. 13. Severe heatwave warnings are in place over Lasseter District in Northern Territory, Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, North Interior, and Central Wheat Belt districts in Western Australia, and West Coast District in South Australia through Jan. 13. Low-intensity heatwave conditions are forecast across the rest of the affected area over the same period.

Severe to low-intensity heatwave conditions will occur over parts of central and isolated parts of northwestern Western Australia, western South Australia, and far southwestern Northern Territory Jan. 14-16. Low-intensity heatwave conditions are likely over much of the remaining parts of inland and southwestern Western Australia, the rest of South Australia, southern Northern Territory, and southwestern and isolated parts of eastern Queensland 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.