First heatwave of 2025 engulfs Australia's south-east while monsoon and cyclones mysteriously missing in action
ABC2025 is opening with a broad heatwave stretching through the heart of Australia, continuing a pattern of exceptional heat which included the nation's hottest spring on record, and third hottest December on record. Temperatures across south-east states are predicted to soar up to 12 degrees Celsius above the January average this weekend, raising the risk of major fire outbreaks in South Australia and Victoria. For eastern New South Wales, temperatures will peak on Monday, including highs nudging 40C in Western Sydney, before a cool change flushes out the heat and threatens the fifth India-Australia test match on Tuesday. The ongoing absence of monsoon westerlies is unusual this deep into the wet season, and will result in its latest onset in at least 25 years — while also preventing tropical cyclones reaching our shores. The hot north-westerly winds will continue through Sunday, leading to a second consecutive day above 40C for the south-east inland, however the heat will also reach eastern NSW, sending Western Sydney to 39C.