Australia Braces for 48°C ‘Mega-Heatwave’ Across Four States

NATIONAL : Millions of Australians are being urged to prepare for a dangerous spike in temperatures as a massive hot air mass sweeps across the continent, with some regions potentially hitting a scorching 48 degrees Celsius.

The weather system is expected to intensify over Western Australia this weekend before migrating toward southern, central, and south-eastern Australia throughout next week.

Heat builds in Western Australia with low-to-mid 40s expected.

The system spreads into South Australia and Central Australia.

The air mass reaches Victoria and New South Wales, bringing peak temperatures to the south-east.

Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino warned that while it is early to pinpoint the exact peak, computer models are showing alarming figures.

An extremely hot air mass will spread across the country this week, pushing temperatures towards the mid-to-high 40s in parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

“Numerous computer models suggest temperatures could reach around 45 to 46 degrees in parts of WA, SA, Vic, and NSW, with some spots possibly reaching about 48 degrees,” Domensino said. “The hottest weather will occur inland, but the major cities won’t completely escape the heat.”

While the most extreme conditions will be felt in regional areas, state capitals are bracing for a multi-day swelter:

Forecast to endure a punishing stretch between 39°C and 41°C.

Expected to see temperatures climb between 30°C and 39°C from Wednesday through Friday.

Authorities are reminding residents to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbors, and monitor official health warnings as heatwave conditions are expected to impact every state and territory to some degree.