2024 Australia heat wave
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| Type | Stationary high-pressure area |
|---|---|
| Areas | South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, ACT |
| Start date | 15 December 2024 |
| End date | Late December 2024 |
| Peak temp. | 47.2 °C (117.0 °F), recorded at Birdsville, Queensland on 26 December 2024 |
Beginning in mid-December 2024, Australia experienced an intense heatwave affecting multiple states and territories, with temperatures exceeding 45 °C (113 °F) in numerous populated settlements. The heatwave brought temperatures significantly above average for mid-December, with several regions experiencing temperatures 12-16 °C higher than typical seasonal values. The event was characterized by both extreme daytime temperatures and unusually warm overnight conditions, with many areas not dropping below 30 °C (86 °F) throughout the day and night.[1][2]
In mid-December 2024, Australia experienced an intense heatwave affecting multiple states and territories, with temperatures exceeding 40 °C (104 °F) in numerous locations. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) defined this event as a severe to extreme heatwave throughout Northern Australia and severe to low-intensity in southeastern regions.[1]
According to senior Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) meteorologist Dean Narramore, the heatwave was caused by a weather front that brought a combination of heat, dry air, and strong gusty winds across the country. The conditions were described as unusual for the season, particularly in the Northern Territory, where monsoonal weather would typically be expected during this time.[2] He predicted that the temperatures would be the hottest observed in Australia since the "Black Summer" heatwaves in 2019–2020.[3] The BoM elaborated that a high-pressure area in the upper atmosphere strengthened and remained stationary over regions of Australia for extended periods.[1]
Temperatures
New South Wales and ACT
- Smithville – 45.1 °C (113.2 °F) on 16 December[3]
Northern Territory
Queensland
- Urandangi – 45.3 °C (113.5 °F) on 16 December[3]
- Birdsville – 47.2 °C (117.0 °F) on 26 December[4]
South Australia
Tasmania
- Low Rocky Point – 36.0 °C (96.8 °F) on 16 December[3]