50°C heat dome is setting new records in Australia
We explain the conditions, including an ex-cyclone, that will cause a stubborn heat dome to linger over Australia, bringing scorching temperatures up to 20°C above normal.
Australia is in the midst of an exceptional, multi-day heat wave across the southeast portions of the continent.
The temperature anomaly is nearly 20°C above average, which is extreme when you look at Australian climatological records.
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By Tuesday, the heat wave reached its fourth day, and is on track for up to eight consecutive days above 40°C across large inland areas--something not seen since the 1930s in New South Wales.
VICTORIA
48.9°C at Walpeup and Hopetoun
Hottest temperature ever officially recorded in the State of Victoria.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
49.6°C at Renmark
Hottest day on record for Renmark. Equals the 4th-highest temperature ever recorded in southern Australia.
Did you know? That temperature reading ties the all-time Canadian temperature record in Lytton, B.C., during the historic June 2021 heat dome.
NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW)
49.1°C at Fowlers Gap
Hottest day on record.
This is the 3rd-highest temperature ever recorded in New South Wales (NSW).
Many other temperature records were broken, including 43.0°C at the Melbourne Olympic Park, with even warmer temperatures recorded across the suburban areas.
Australia is no stranger to extreme heat, but this event stands out for its intensity and duration compared to other Australian heat waves.
THE WHY
A stagnant heat dome is parked over south-east Australia, creating a feedback effect of sinking and compressing air.
Clear skies maximize heating, along with light winds and dry soils, amplifying the heat.
(NASA)
Tropical reinforcement from ex-Tropical Cyclone Luana is indirectly strengthening the upper-level ridge, making the heat dome harder to dislodge.
THE FORECAST
Near 50°C is still likely over the next few days across inland sections, but relief is in sight.
By the weekend, a cold front is forecast to reach coastal regions, sweeping across Victoria and South Australia Saturday night.
This will finally weaken the heat dome, ending the extreme pattern in place.
FIRE AND HEALTH RISK
Total fire ban across all of Victoria
Catastrophic fire danger ratings in sections of Victoria and South Australia
Because it’s a long-duration heat wave, the health impacts are cumulative. The temperatures are remaining elevated through the overnights, creating additional stress.
Australia is in the midst of one of the most extreme and widespread heat waves observed in the modern temperature record.