A vast area of intense outback heat is spreading across Australia and is expected to push temperatures to record highs over the coming days, affecting South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT.
According to Weatherzone, the heatwave could see temperatures soar into the mid-40s, potentially breaking October heat records across several states.
The extreme heat originates from a massive buildup of hot air in Western Australia’s north-west, which has gradually moved eastward, causing unseasonably warm conditions in many inland regions.
In South Australia, temperatures are forecast to reach 43°C on Sunday and 45°C on Monday, threatening to surpass the state’s previous October record of 45.4°C at Oodnadatta.
Queensland’s far south-west is also bracing for five consecutive days of 40°C or higher, with 44°C and 45°C expected on Sunday and Monday — close to the state’s October record of 45.1°C in Birdsville.
In New South Wales, parts of the upper west are forecast to reach 43°C on Tuesday, while Sydney may experience a brief reprieve over the weekend before temperatures climb again — peaking at 32°C on Monday and possibly 37°C on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Australian Capital Territory is also expected to face a heat surge early next week, with Canberra predicted to reach 32°C on both Monday and Tuesday, just shy of its October record of 32.7°C.
Meteorologists warn that this early-season heatwave signals the arrival of a hotter-than-usual spring, raising concerns about bushfire risks and dry conditions in several regions.
