Over half of Australia is experiencing heatwave conditions, with the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland expected to experience hot temperatures over the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned that conditions in the country’s outback regions could get even worse.
In Queensland, a heatwave warning was in effect for some inland areas, such as Longreach, Roma, Charleville, Richmond, and Boulia.
Temperatures reached 43 degrees Celsius at Richmond, 42 degrees Celsius at Mount Isa, and 44 degrees Celsius at Longreach.
The high temperatures are expected to continue throughout the week, with Mount Isa reaching temperatures of over 39 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday.
In Brisbane, the heatwave conditions are becoming less intense. The city is expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday and stay that way until Friday.
The heatwave conditions in the Northern Territory are affecting areas such as Katherine and Timber Creek, where the mercury is expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius.
In Western Australia’s north coast, areas such as Derby and Broome were feeling the heat.
Temperatures were expected to reach 34 degrees Celsius in Broome, while Derby was predicted to experience a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius.
The weather conditions were also affecting other regions, such as New South Wales, where temperatures were expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius in Coonamble, Tibooburra, and Bourke.
According to the BoM’s Miriam Bradbury, the consistency of the temperatures was causing concerns.
According to Bradbury, heatwaves are not associated with the hottest temperatures that can be found in certain areas. Instead, they are characterized by higher-than-average temperatures.
The prolonged periods of above-normal temperatures are what cause heatwaves to develop.
She said that the heatwave conditions would continue to affect areas such as the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia for the next week.
She noted that there would be no strong winds to remove the heat.
According to Bradbury, the heatwave conditions have been present in the region for a while. However, they have started to intensify over the past week.
She noted that the heat was likely to continue to affect the country for the next couple of days.