Heatwave Alert: Australia Is Heading Into A Summer Inferno


The Australia Bureau of Meteorology has released a new heat map showing Australia’s expected temperature forecast for November-January. In news that is sure to confound climate change sceptics, we are about to endure one of the hottest summers on record. Again.

The map above predicts the fiery temperatures Aussies will be facing this summer, based on dynamical physics-based climate modelling from the Bureau of Meteorology’s supercomputer. Red indicates an 80 per cent likelihood of temperatures exceeding that area’s current median. In other words, it’s going to be bloody hot.

Again, this map is charting the median temperature through to January 2019. That means there’s going to be fewer unseasonably cool days to provide a respite from the constant warmth.

“November to January days are very likely to be warmer than average for most of Australia. Nights are also likely to be warmer than average, except for areas surrounding the Great Australian Bight,” the BoM website explains.

If the forecast holds true, there will be a low chance of recovery for drought-affected areas of eastern Australia. There will also be an increased risk of heatwaves in the south and bushfires in the east. Scary stuff.

Here are some tips to help you get safely through the summer.

  • Avoid exposure: stay out of the sun and close blinds and curtains to shade rooms.
  • Avoid strenuous activity: especially outdoors.
  • Keep drinking water: By the time you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrating so drink often to avoid thirst.
  • Use air-conditioning: If none are available, try using fans and wetting the skin with moist towels to stay cool.
  • Wear loose, lightweight clothing and have a cool shower or tepid bath for babies and children
  • Ensure outside pets have access to shade and plenty of water

For more information and forecast maps, head to the BoM website.

[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2016/12/heatwave-how-to-cope-with-australias-extreme-summer-temperatures/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/01/Surfbeach-410×231.jpg” title=”Heatwave: How To Cope With Australia’s Extreme Summer Temperatures” excerpt=”The weather’s getting warmer across much of Australia, and there’s no immediate change in sight. Ensure you stay cool with our comprehensive roundup of heat-beating tips, covering everything from how to use air conditioning more effectively to what to cook that won’t overheat you and how to make the most of your beach time.”]

[Via Business Insider]

This story has been updated since its original publication.

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