This weekend, temperatures in south-eastern Australia are predicted to approach 40 degrees Celsius, putting major sporting events under strain from the heatwave. Warm, dry north-easterly winds are set to blow across Adelaide on Friday, moving towards Melbourne on Saturday and finally reaching Sydney on Sunday, as detailed by Weatherzone.
Despite the lack of humidity accompanying this autumn heat surge, the soaring temperatures will still significantly affect sporting events. The Australian Grand Prix’s qualifying sessions in Melbourne are scheduled for 4pm Saturday, coinciding with anticipated peak temperatures of 37 degrees over the city’s street circuit. Certain outer suburbs, like Tullamarine, could register even higher temperatures, hitting 39 degrees.
However, Formula One fans can expect a cooler change during Sunday’s main race, with a south-westerly breeze likely bringing relief as the heatwave ends around 3pm. The AFL also prepares for the heat, as the Geelong versus Fremantle match on Saturday at 1.20pm might activate the AFL’s heat code, which allows for delays or postponements at temperatures of 36 degrees. Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, is expected to see such highs.
Conversely, the Adelaide Oval will avoid the extreme heat during the Adelaide versus St Kilda matchup on Sunday, with South Australia peaking at 38 degrees on Saturday. The NRL game between the Wests Tigers and Parramatta on Sunday at 4.05pm will occur under similarly hot conditions, with temperatures around 37 degrees, likely necessitating extra drink breaks for player safety.
Sydney will initially experience a milder start to the weekend, with temperatures reaching 31 degrees on Saturday before rising to 38 degrees. Canberra is set to see warm weather as well, with daytime highs in the mid-thirties over both Saturday and Sunday.
Overall, this weekend presents an intense heatwave across several Australian capitals, affecting numerous sporting events and prompting necessary considerations for heat management.