Full Breakdown
Record-Setting Heatwave Pushes Hobart Above Brisbane
By Drooid · · How we work
Heatwave Warning and Expected Temperatures
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe heatwave warning for Tasmania’s east coast and south-east just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Forecasts call for daytime highs in the mid-20s to around 30 °C on Thursday and Friday, with night-time lows barely dropping below 10 °C and some areas remaining in the low teens. Hobart’s temperature is not expected to fall below 17 °C overnight into Friday.
Record-Breaking October Temperatures in Hobart
Hobart recorded 30.4 °C on Tuesday, its hottest October day in nine years. The city is on track to hit 30 °C again on Thursday and 29 °C on Friday, far above the October average maximum of 17 °C. Weatherzone notes that a second 30-degree day would make this only the third October in 145 years to experience two such days, and a third would set a new record. The run of consecutive October days with maximums of 20 °C or higher could reach eight days by Friday.
Atmospheric Pattern Behind the Warmth
Both outlets attribute the unusual warmth to a large high-pressure system stalled over the Tasman Sea. The system is expected to move only about 500 km between Monday and Saturday, directing warm northerly winds toward Hobart while keeping Brisbane under a cooler onshore flow.
Health Advisories and Expected End of Heatwave
The Bureau warns that severe heatwaves can endanger older people, babies, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone with medical conditions. Weatherzone’s models suggest the heatwave will end abruptly this weekend, with showers developing in Hobart on Friday afternoon and a cold front bringing rain on Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to drop to 19 °C on Saturday and 16 °C on Sunday, with a chance of snow on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington by Sunday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Computer models predict that the centre of this system will only move by about 500 kilometres between Monday and Saturday,” — Ben Domensino
- “Computer models predict that the centre of this system will only move by about 500 km between Monday and Saturday,” — Ben Domensino