Heatwave status can be forecast four days in advance
A new BoM heatwave forecast provides a national heatwave status up to four days ahead and includes three heatwave categories, providing an indication of how widespread the effects of the heat will be felt through the population affected.
This new product has resulted in a specific definition of heatwave conditions for Australia, which is now considered to be three days or more of high maximum and minimum temperatures that is unusual for that location.
The heatwave forecast incorporates this definition and a heatwave intensity using the maximum and minimum temperature over a three-day period, the local climate averages, and how the temperatures have changed over the past 30 days.
The conditions in the past 30 days gives an indication on how acclimatised a population faced with higher-than-normal temperatures will be when heatwave conditions develop.
Extreme conditions is considered the highest level, with an impact across multiple areas such as infrastructure, transport, energy, agriculture and both healthy and vulnerable people are at risk of injury.
Extreme levels of heat will also coincide with dangerous fire weather conditions across the southern states.
