Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over northern regions through at least Nov. 18 /update 1

High temperatures are forecast to persist across parts of northern Australia through at least Nov. 18. Maximum temperatures in excess of 40 C (104 F) are possible in northern parts of Northern Territory, northern and north-central Queensland, and northern and northeastern Western Australia over the coming days. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast extreme heatwave conditions (the highest level on a three-tier scale) over isolated pockets of far northern Northern Territory Nov. 12-14 and northern Queensland Nov. 12-16. Severe and low-intensity heatwave conditions are expected across parts of the rest of the affected area over the coming days.

As of Nov. 12, the BOM has issued extreme heatwave warnings for parts of Daly, Tiwi, and Arnhem districts in Northern Territory. Severe heatwave warnings are in place for parts of Carpentaria and Gregory districts in Northern Territory and Peninsula, Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, and Herbert and Lower Burdekin districts in Queensland. 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.