Contrasting Weather: Heat Wave Strikes Australia; Storm Goretti Cause Snow Chaos In Europe
Key Takeaways
- Australia is experiencing its first major heat wave of the year, with extreme temperatures.
- Western Australia recorded near-record heat, briefly becoming the hottest place on Earth.
- Europe faced a powerful winter storm bringing snow, wind and widespread disruption.
- Weather conditions across Europe are expected to improve over the weekend.
A severe heat wave has hit parts of Australia. The first major heat wave of the year entered its second day, with temperatures of up to 47°C forecast across northern parts of South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. No real reprieve is in sight until the weekend.
Western Australia’s ongoing heat wave is breaking records, with parts of the state almost touching 50°C. The mercury climbed to 49°C at Onslow Airport on the state’s north coast. While this was not the highest temperature ever recorded in the state or in Australia, it made Onslow Airport the hottest place on Earth on that day. For perspective, the temperature in Sakha, Russia, plunged to −53.5°C, making Onslow warmer by a staggering 102.5°C on the same day.
Temperatures soared beyond 43°C in parts of all Australian states and territories, with Melbourne recording its hottest day since 2020.
Meanwhile, severe storm Goretti arrived with full force across the United Kingdom. A Red Warning was issued for strong winds and heavy snowfall. Torrential rain, gale-force winds and widespread snow battered large parts of the country. Northern Europe as a whole witnessed extensive snowfall, leading to runway closures and significant disruption to flight operations.
The Dutch rail and road network was badly affected by snow and squally weather. The storm also crippled parts of France, Germany, Sweden, Finland and Wales, bringing blizzards and freezing temperatures.
A sharp cold snap pushed temperatures in northern Britain down to 9.5°F (−12.5°C), as snow severely disrupted rail, road and air travel. Hundreds of schools were closed due to hazardous weather conditions. Simultaneously, heavy snow and persistent rain swept across the Balkan countries, swelling rivers, triggering traffic chaos and disrupting power and water supplies.
Weather conditions across Europe are expected to gradually improve by Saturday or Sunday.
