Weather disrupted matches during the first week of Australian Open play before tranquil weather settled over Melbourne. However, sweltering heat and the potential for poor air quality loom on the horizon.
After wet weather interfered with matches on Day 1 of the Grand Slam tournament, wind became an issue on Wednesday.
Winds picked up ahead of an approaching cold front, adding to the challenge for outdoor matches.
Spain's Rafael Nadal and Australia's Nick Kyrgios play at the sunset during their fourth round singles match on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Despite a quick win in straight sets, star player Novak Djokovic said the playing conditions proved challenging, according to Express.
"I don't think players enjoy these kind of conditions, to be honest," he said. "It is what it is. You have to accept them and embrace the fact that you're going to - I guess you're going to be challenged on different levels, not just by your opponent but also the conditions."
This front also brought periods of rain Wednesday night and into Thursday morning that brought a layer of dirt to outdoor courts, making them look as if they were made of clay.
Courts left filthy at Melbourne Park following last nights “dirty downpour.”
Hose... brush... repeat playing out on outside courts around the precinct. #AusOpen
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A period of tranquil weather that started late last week will persist into the middle of this week with no impacts to play expected.
A change will be in the air on Wednesday as temperatures begin to build across the region with an afternoon high of 30 C (86 F) for Melbourne.
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As a northerly flow increases later this week, hot air from the interior of Australia will reach Melbourne causing temperatures to soar even higher.
Under blistering sunshine, temperatures will reach 37 C (99 F) on Thursday before climbing even higher on Friday, with a forecast high of 40 C (104 F).
The normal high temperature for the end of January is 26 C (around 78 F).
A cold front will pass through Melbourne on Saturday bringing the risk for showers and thunderstorms and starting a downward trend in temperatures. A high temperature of 32 C (90 F) is expected.
A much cooler day with a lingering shower or two is expected for Sunday.
In addition to the risks from the intense heat, the hot, dry air from the interior may worsen air quality, especially if smoke from bushfires is pulled into the city.
Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, right, and Michael Mmoh of the U.S. play during their second round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Controversy rose as qualifiers began amid smoky conditions in Melbourne earlier this month. Matches were postponed and several athletes shared concerns over the safety of the conditions.
Most of the current bushfires in Australia are burning in eastern areas of the state, so any northeast winds can usher in smoke and cause air quality to deteriorate.
Dry weather and gusty winds can also create conditions for new fires to spread quickly closer to Melbourne. The annual tennis tournament and first of the sport's four Grand Slam events will come to an end on Sunday.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
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