Urgent warning as 45C heatwave prompts 'surge' on Aussie beaches
Weather authorities and lifeguards alike are warning Aussies to practise caution in the coming days as above-average temperatures set in across the continent.
Lifeguards are warning Australians to practise caution in the surf in the coming days amid an "anticipated surge in people heading to beaches". It comes as large parts of the country continue to sweat through above-average temperatures for November.
As of Thursday morning, five states and territories across the nation are being warned of severe heatwave-like conditions, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) telling residents in NSW, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and the ACT in particular to prepare.
Parts of the country's north are anticipated to be among the hottest in the world this week, with residents in Queensland and those in northern parts of the NT expected to cop the brunt of the extremes. "Maximum temperatures in the low thirties to mid forties, [with] overnight minimum temperatures in the high teens to high twenties," the Bureau told Queenslanders.
It said heatwave conditions are expected to gradually move into northern parts of the state on Thursday and continue into next week. Virtually the entire state is expected to swelter today, with much of the region to see temperatures of above 30 degrees.
Queensland, Northern Territory to cop brunt of heatwave on Thursday
According to Weatherzone, a broad trough of low pressure stretching across the continent is allowing a "pool of late-spring heat to lie over parts of several states and territories", extending from the nation’s eastern interior to the north of WA.
"This weather pattern is causing a multi-day heatwave that’s gripping parts of Queensland, NSW, the NT and WA this week. At Birdsville in Queensland, the mercury climbed to 45.2C on Tuesday afternoon and only dropped to 31.7C on Wednesday morning. By 9:40am on Wednesday, temperatures were already exceeding 40C in parts of the southwest," Weatherzone meteorologists said.
In the NT, the Daly, Tiwi, Arnhem, Berry Springs, Jabiru, Nauiyu and Timber Creek and Gregory Districts are expected to be most affected by the sweltering temperatures today. "Severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue into next week," the BOM said.
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In NSW, border towns and northern districts have been warned they will face extreme heat on Thursday, in particular, the Mid North Coast, Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes and Plains Districts.
The sizzling conditions have prompted Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir to remind beachgoers "staying safe around water needs to be front of mind" in the coming days.
“Lifeguards and surf lifesavers are getting prepared as we anticipate a surge in people heading to beaches in a bid to keep cool," he said.
“While we know Australians love enjoying hot, sunny days on the country's amazing beaches, please listen to the advice of our surf lifesavers, know your limitations, and swim between the red and yellow flags. And for those in the Northern Territory, please be stinger safe if you are intending to visit the coastline or go recreational fishing."
A full list of weather warnings across the country is available here.
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