Australia: High temperatures likely to persist over northern, western, central, and eastern regions through at least Jan. 22 /update 3

High temperatures are forecast to persist across parts of northern, western, central, and eastern Australia through at least Jan. 22. Temperatures in excess of 44 C (111 F) are likely across parts of the affected area over the coming days. As of Jan. 13, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued extreme heatwave warnings for North Tropical Coast and Tablelands districts in Queensland and severe heatwave warnings across Peninsula, Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, North West, and Channel Country in Queensland, Barkly and Simpson districts in Northern Territory, and Furneaux Islands, North East, South East, Upper Derwent Valley, Western, and North West Coast districts in Tasmania. 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. Extreme heatwave conditions over far northern Queenslands are likely to ease Jan. 17, while severe heatwave conditions over northern Queensland and Tasmania are likely to ease Jan. 21 and over Northern Territory Jan. 22.

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.