Weather News

Heat to return to southern Australia

After a cooler change on Tuesday across southern Australia, an extended spell of heat is set to return from the weekend onwards.

The culprit will be a very strong high pressure system that is set to take up residence in the Tasman Sea, acting as a blocking mechanism for other weather systems, and directing hot northeasterly winds across southern Australia.

In addition, a long wave ridge, or mass of hot air in the upper atmosphere, will become anchored across central longitudes of Australia.

Adelaide will start to feel the heat first, rising to 33 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, before climbing towards 37 by next Tuesday. There are early indications that the temperature will then remain in the mid 30s through until next weekend. There is a good chance of 40 degrees being reached at some point next week. In addition, overnight temperatures are likely to be well up on average.

Melbourne will take a little longer to warm up, hitting 32 degrees on Sunday, before hovering in the low to mid 30s through until next Wednesday.

At this stage, it appears as if Sydney will miss out on the worst of the heat with winds remaining onshore.

- Weatherzone

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