Key Points
- Australia’s southeastern states will experience temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees, which will generate fires.
- Fire risks are expected in South Australia, with catastrophic ratings in two regions.
- Severe storms will hit inland Western Australia, parts of Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.
People in Australia’s south and south-east have been urged to prepare for high fire risks this weekend – with heat and strong winds expected in the coming days.
Gusts and temperatures of between 30 and 40 degrees will spread across parts of South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales over the weekend, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
In particular, locally damaging winds will hit alpine areas of New South Wales and Victoria. Severe weather warnings should be issued in these areas.
Hot conditions will gradually contract in northern New South Wales and Queensland.
Catastrophic fire risk in South Australia
Fire risks are expected to peak in southern South Australia on Saturday, according to the BoM. A ‘catastrophic’ rating has been issued for eastern Eyre Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula.
Eight other districts in South Australia have an “extreme” rating, just one level below “catastrophic”.
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has urged South Australians to be vigilant this weekend, with the first significant fire hazard of the season forecast for Saturday.
“I urge residents to check any recent private fires today and tomorrow to ensure they are completely out and cool,” said CFS Director Brett Loughlin.
“We are asking the public to support us by refraining from engaging in risky activities this weekend amid what are expected to be dangerous fire conditions.
“We also urge anyone traveling in rural areas to be aware of their risks by checking the fire danger indices in the district they are traveling in and to remain vigilant and informed about fires in the area.”
Extreme and high fire risks in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria
Extreme fire danger is also forecast for north-west Victoria, while the Channel region, central west, central highlights and Queensland coalfields, as well as Maranoa and Warrego, face at high fire risk.
Hot conditions and gusts may impact already ongoing fires or start new fires in these areas.
Although conditions are expected to ease by Sunday, extreme fires are forecast across the northwest slopes and plains of New South Wales and Queensland’s Channel Country.
Horseshoe-shaped thunderstorms are expected across much of the country and are expected to affect the west, north and east.
Severe storms will hit inland Western Australia, crossing parts of central and south-east Queensland, as well as north-east New South Wales.
In eastern regions, the BoM forecasts devastating wind gusts, heavy rain or large hail.
By Saturday, storm areas will extend further south into South Australia and inland New South Wales. In these regions, dry storms would increase the risk of fires.
Widespread rain is expected on Sunday and is expected to taper off in northern states by Monday.
