Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over eastern regions through at least Dec. 15

High temperatures are forecast to persist across parts of eastern Australia through at least Dec. 15. As of early Dec. 10, the BOM has issued severe heatwave warnings for parts of the Mid North Coast District in New South Wales and Peninsula, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central West, and North West districts in Queensland. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

In New South Wales, maximum temperatures of 25-34 C (77-93 F), with overnight temperatures of 16-24 C (61-75 F) are forecast. Severe heatwave conditions have peaked and are expected to ease from Dec. 10. In Queensland, maximum temperatures of 36-44 C (97-111 F), tending to 31-35 C (89-95 F) along the east coast are likely. Overnight minimum temperatures of 25-29 C (77-84 F) are forecast through inland parts, tending 21-25 C (70-77 F) over northern and eastern districts. Severe heatwave conditions are likely to peak over central Queensland Dec. 11 and are expected to contract to northern parts of the state from Dec. 12. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast low-intensity heatwave conditions (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) across the rest of the affected area through at least Dec. 15, with the heat contracting to northern and central Queensland Dec. 11 and to northern Queensland Dec. 12 before spreading across the affected area Dec. 13.

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.