https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/south-east-australia-weather-hit-close-to-50c-worst-heatwave/106270302
Some of the more historic maximums on Monday included： 49.5C at Ceduna, its hottest day on record. 48.6C at Wudinna, its hottest day on record. 47.3C at Trangie, its hottest day since 1932. 46.1C at Dubbo, equal hottest day on record.So what is behind the unprecedented heat this week?
A glance at a basic weather map offers no explanation — there is a weak surface trough over the south-east inland which is a semi-permanent feature in summer.
The actual cause of the record high temperatures is what is happening higher in the atmosphere — a stationary high-pressure system has anchored itself a few kilometres above NSW, and since winds blow away from high pressure, its elevated position is forcing air down towards the surface.
This compression process leads to a rapid warming of an air mass by about 10C per kilometre of descent, leading to a dome of hot air over the surface.
Upper-level high pressure systems are common in summer. However, the current high is further south relative to normal, and critically, its slow movement has allowed the heat dome to intensify over several days.
Stay hydrated and whatnot.
