Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over western and southern regions through at least Feb. 25 /update 12

High temperatures will likely continue across parts of western and southern Australia through at least Feb. 25. Heatwave conditions are expected across much of the affected area through Feb. 20, before contracting to central, eastern, and western Western Australia and southwestern Northern Territory Feb. 21-22 and predominantly only eastern Western Australia and southwestern Northern Territory from Feb. 23. Daytime temperatures of 40-50 C (104-122 F) have been recorded across parts of Western Australia in recent days, as well as minimum nighttime temperatures of over 25 C (77 F). As of Feb. 19, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe heatwave warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for parts of Kimberley, Gascoyne, Goldfields, Eucla, North Interior, South Interior, Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal, South East Coastal, Great Southern, 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.