Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over parts of Western Australia and Northern Territory through at least March 24

High temperatures are forecast to persist across western and east central Western Australia and northern and southern Northern Territory through at least March 24. Daytime high temperatures of 40-45 C (104-113 F) are forecast over parts of Western Australia and 30-35 C (86-95 F) over Northern Territory.

As of March 18, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe heatwave warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for parts of North Interior District in Western Australia and Tiwi District in Northern Territory. Severe heatwave conditions are forecast to ease from March 20. Low-intensity heatwave conditions are forecast to persist over the rest of the affected area through March 20 and across far western Western Australia through March 24. 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.