Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over western and southern regions through at least Feb. 20 /update 11

High temperatures will likely continue across parts of western and southern Australia through at least Feb. 20. Heatwave conditions are expected to expand across much of Western Australia and into southwestern Northern Territory and northwestern South Australia Feb. 14-16 before spreading across much of South Australia and into western New South Wales and northwestern Victoria Feb. 17-20. Temperatures of around 40-42 C (104-108 F) are forecast in Perth Feb. 15-19 and isolated higher temperatures are expected across other parts of Western Australia. As of Feb. 14, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe heatwave warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for parts of Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, North Interior, and Central Wheat Belt forecast districts in Western Australia. 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.