Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Science

Anatomy of a heat wave: How a cyclone, humid air and atmospheric waves drove brutal heat in southeastern Australia

Australia has always had heat waves. But this week's heat wave 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."...

Anatomy of a heat wave: How a cyclone, humid air and atmospheric waves drove brutal heat in southeastern Australia
Image: Phys.org
Australia has always had heat waves. But this week's heat wave 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.

Originally published at Phys.org

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