But millions of people in south east Australia woke up to a cooler atmosphere and prospects of showers following a torrid week that saw temperatures touch the limits of the national scale, trigger bushfires and test power supplies.
The much awaited southerly change started moving in on Sunday after Saturday’s temperatures soared past 40° C in some areas of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
Some areas recorded temperatures above 50° C for the first time in years, with two South Australian towns recording 50° C temperatures.
Tom Saunders said that the cooler air would gradually weaken the heat dome in the next two days.
Over 100,000 customers were left without power as the demand peaked due to the heatwave and efforts by firefighters to keep the bushfires within containment lines.
Rural areas like Hopetoun and Walpeup recorded temperatures of 48.9° C, while the suburbs of Melbourne touched 45.6° C before the cool change moved in.
The temperature in Melbourne had cooled to 19° C by Sunday, with prospects of showers.
The Australian Open has introduced extreme heat measures throughout the week, closing the roofs of arena courts and postponing outdoor play.
According to Weatherzone, the length of the heatwave is as significant as its intensity, citing Woomera’s seven day average maximum temperature of 46.7° C, which has recorded its hottest week in 76 years of records.
Read More: Ellenbrook bushfire damages properties as crews fight to control blaze
A cool change is forecast to move into much of South Australia and New South Wales, although this will take longer to reach the far north and inland areas.
Emergency services are still warning people to remain vigilant.
Even with the cool change, hot and dry conditions may persist in inland areas and recovery from the heat may take days, especially for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
