Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over western, central, and southeastern regions through at least March 4 /update 14

High temperatures will likely continue across western, central, and southeastern Australia through at least March 4. Severe heatwave conditions over parts of eastern Western Australia, northern South Australia, and northern New South Wales are forecast to spread over eastern Western Australia, northwest and eastern South Australia, isolated parts of southern Queensland, and parts of northern and eastern New South Wales March 1-2. Low-intensity heatwave conditions are forecast across the rest of the affected area through at least March 4.

As of March 1, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe heatwave warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for parts of the South Interior District in Western Australia, North West Pastoral District in South Australia, and Mid North Coast, Hunter, Northern Tablelands, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Central West Slopes and Plains, and Upper Western districts in New South Wales. 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.