Australia has always had heatwaves. But this week’s heatwave in southeastern Australia is something else. Temperatures in some inland towns in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria were up to 20°C above average for the time of year, which meteorologists described as “incredibly abnormal”. Victoria’s heat record toppled after Walpeup and Hopetoun hit 48.9°C. The heat is set to continue until Saturday in some areas.
As global temperatures inch upwards, summer heatwaves form against a background of higher temperatures. Heatwaves (commonly defined as three or more days of unusual heat) and extreme heat (shorter periods of intense heat) are becoming more common and more intense.
