Heat wave to grip Sydney, Canberra into New Year’s Eve

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

December 27, 2018, 10:29:07 AM EST

A major heat wave will grip parts of Australia, including Sydney and Canberra, into New Year’s Eve.

The magnitude and length of the heat wave will vary from location to location; however, Melbourne, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Canberra and Sydney can all expect extreme heat prior to the end of the year.

An area of high pressure sitting off the east coast of Australia will allow heat to build across the interior of the country and pull that heat all the way to the coast of New South Wales.

After temperatures climbed to around 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday and Thursday, more intense heat is expected in Sydney from Friday into Sunday.

Daily high temperatures around 34 C (93 F) are forecast for each day within the city, with inland locations turning much hotter.

Areas from Richmond to Penrith and Campbelltown can expect daily high temperatures of 38-41 C (100-106 F), with one or two locations approaching 43 C (109-110 F).

A modest decline in temperatures is expected from Monday into the middle of next week; however, temperatures will remain well above normal.

While Sydney will have some reprieve from the heat next week, Canberra can expect a long-duration heat wave to last through the first week of January.

Temperatures will peak around 36 C (97 F) on Friday and Saturday before falling to around 32 C (90 F) on Sunday and Monday. Temperatures will spike back to around 38 C (100 F) later next week.

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The heat wave will extend across Central Australia, where Alice Springs will endure daily high temperatures ranging from 42-43 C (108-110 F) each day into the new year.

Locations from Melbourne to Adelaide can expect only a short blast of heat as temperatures soar on Friday.

High temperatures will range from 35-38 C (95-100 F) in both cities on Friday before a cold front brings cooler air and the risk for showers and thunderstorms on Saturday.

Temperatures will generally remain close to seasonable levels from Sunday through Wednesday.