Forecasters have warned of a dangerous weekend as extreme heat, bushfires, hail, and snow impact multiple regions. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has described the conditions as “very, very dangerous” with heightened fire risks.
Severe Weather Conditions Expected
A significant cold front is set to sweep through South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. This system will bring intense heat before temperatures drop sharply.
Figure 1: Major Australian Cities Temperature Forecast
BOM meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said a major weather shift is approaching. “A shift in weather is on the way for south-eastern Australia this weekend, as we move from hot, dry weather and elevated fire dangers to cool, showery weather as a cold front moves through,” she said.
The front will arrive in South Australia and Victoria on Saturday before moving into New South Wales and Tasmania on Sunday and Monday.
Extreme Heat and Bushfire Risk
Heat is forecast across much of south-east #Aus this weekend, before a strong cold front moves through.
High temperatures and gusty winds will combine to generate High to Extreme #FireDanger.
Latest: https://t.co/4W35o8i7wJ pic.twitter.com/FZg6mgB1W3
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 15, 2025
The hot air mass will cause widespread high temperatures. Adelaide will reach 39°C on Saturday, with overnight temperatures staying at 23°C. Port Augusta and Murray Bridge are forecast to peak at 42°C before dropping on Sunday.
Melbourne will reach 34°C on Saturday before cooling to 26°C on Sunday. Sydney will experience 32°C on Saturday and 37°C on Sunday, with overnight temperatures staying at 24°C. Canberra will see 35°C on Saturday and 33°C on Sunday.
The combination of high temperatures and strong winds increases fire risks. “We’ve got high fire dangers throughout Victoria and south-east NSW with extreme fire dangers for much of southern South Australia,” Bradbury said.
Also Read: Albanese Fires Back at DiCaprio Over WA Mine Expansion Criticism
She warned of serious risks. “Those extreme fire dangers will trigger fire weather warnings on Saturday, and will promote very, very dangerous conditions for any fires that are ongoing in the landscape, or any fresh fires that do develop as we go into Sunday,” she said.
Fire dangers in South Australia may ease by Sunday, but warnings could continue into Monday for New South Wales and Tasmania.
Rapid Temperature Drops and Rain
Rain and storms are forecast to become more widespread across northern #Aus in the coming days.
Rain will persist this weekend and into the week and may be heavy at times through the north-east #Qld tropical coast and the #GulfofCarpentaria.
Latest: https://t.co/4W35o8iFmh pic.twitter.com/DNZ5LYKiiX
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 15, 2025
A sharp temperature drop will follow the heatwave as the cold front arrives. Adelaide will cool to 26°C on Sunday with up to 9mm of rain. Monday will be significantly cooler at 14°C.
Melbourne will experience a similar drop, reaching 26°C on Sunday and 18°C on Monday. Storms may bring up to 20mm of rain to the city.
Sydney’s temperatures will fall from 37°C on Sunday to 23°C on Monday. Canberra will see a major overnight temperature drop from 16°C to just 6°C by Monday.
Hail and Snow Possible in Tasmania
Tasmania will also see a significant weather shift. Hobart will reach 26°C on Saturday before cooling to 23°C on Sunday.
Meteorologist Bradbury confirmed that Tasmania could experience extreme conditions. “It’ll be so cool, we may see small hail across parts of Tasmania late on Sunday and going into Monday – as well as possible snow flurries about the Tasmanian peaks,” she said.
Strong winds are also expected, with damaging gusts likely on Sunday.
Weather Conditions Across Australia
Brisbane will remain relatively stable, with highs around 30°C and overnight lows near 19°C. Townsville could see showers on Saturday, with storms bringing heavier rainfall on Sunday.
Darwin will experience thunderstorms, with temperatures reaching 33°C throughout the weekend.
Perth will have a warm and dry weekend, with temperatures rising from the mid-20s to above 30°C by Monday. Overnight minimums will be around 17°C.
Figure 2: The front could bring winds conditions across the weekend. [Earthschool]
Emergency Warnings and Safety Precautions
Authorities are urging residents to stay alert as conditions shift rapidly. The combination of heat, wind, and potential storms increases risks across multiple states.
Fire warnings are in place for South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Rain and storms could also impact travel and outdoor activities.
Authorities have advised residents in fire-prone areas to prepare for potential evacuations. The BOM continues to monitor the situation and will issue updates as conditions change.
