Australia is Expected to Experience Prolonged High Temperature Conditions

Affected by the subtropical high pressure (Figure 1), it is expected that from January 4 to 9, 2026, Australia will experience persistent high temperatures. The maximum temperatures in most regions will range between 35 and 40°C, while in parts of western and southern Australia, the highs will reach 42 to 44°C, with localized areas exceeding 45°C (Figure 2). Around January 10, the subtropical high pressure will weaken, leading to a reduction in both the intensity and extent of the high temperatures across Australia. However, regions such as northern Western Australia, northeastern South Australia, southwestern Queensland, and northwestern New South Wales will still face temperatures of 37 to 40°C, with localized highs surpassing 42°C.

Figure 1. Average 500 hPa Geopotential Height (contours, units: dagpm) and Standardized Anomalies (shaded, units: dagpm) from 20:00 on January 4 to 08:00 on January 10, 2026 (Beijing Time)

Figure 2. Forecast of Maximum Temperature for the Period from 08:00 on January 4 to 08:00 on January 10, 2026 (Beijing Time), with Shading Indicating Temperatures of 35°C and Above (Unit: °C)

Author: Huo Da                                 Reviewer: Bao Yuanyuan 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan