Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over eastern, northern, and western regions through at least Dec. 29 /update 3

High temperatures are forecast to persist across parts of eastern, northern, and western Australia through at least Dec. 29. Temperatures in excess of 44 C (111 F) are likely across parts of the affected area over the coming days. As of Dec. 24, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe heatwave warnings across Carpentaria and Gregory districts in Northern Territory; Gulf Country, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, and North West districts in Queensland; and Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Central West, Lower West, and Central Wheat Belt districts in Western Australia. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days. Severe and low-intensity heatwave conditions are forecast over much of the rest of the affected area 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.