Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over western, central, and southeastern regions through at least March 2 /update 13

High temperatures will likely continue across western, central, and southeastern Australia through at least March 2. Severe to low-intensity heatwave conditions are forecast across parts of central Western Australia and adjacent parts of South Australia and Northern Territory Feb. 26 before spreading over the rest of the affected area through March 1 and contracting to southern Queensland, northern and northeastern New South Wales, and northern South Australia March 2.

As of Feb. 26, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe heatwave warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for parts of North Interior and South Interior 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.