Meteorologists warn that abnormally hot days could hit south-eastern Australia in the coming weeks, following a rare phenomenon known as sudden stratospheric warming over Antarctica. The event, which disrupts the polar vortex, has the potential to send hot, dry conditions northwards, increasing the risk of heatwaves and bushfires.
The Antarctic anomaly
Sudden stratospheric warming occurs when temperatures in the upper atmosphere above Antarctica rise rapidly, sometimes by as much as 50°C within days. This disrupts the usual circulation of polar winds, destabilising weather patterns across the Southern Hemisphere. Such events are uncommon but have previously triggered prolonged spells of extreme weather in Australia and New Zealand.
Impacts on Australia
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that south-eastern states, including Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, are most likely to be affected. While the timing and severity of the heat remain uncertain, the conditions could lead to a spike in temperatures well above seasonal averages. Authorities are also preparing for heightened bushfire danger, as the hot, dry air may coincide with already parched landscapes.
A rare but powerful influence
The last major sudden stratospheric warming event, recorded in 2019, contributed to Australia’s Black Summer bushfire crisis. Scientists caution that not every warming leads to such extreme consequences, but the current anomaly is being closely monitored given its potential impact. Climate change, they note, is also amplifying the effects of natural weather phenomena, making extreme events more frequent and more intense.
Preparedness measures
Emergency services across south-eastern Australia are on alert, urging communities to prepare for the possibility of heatwaves and bushfire threats. Public health officials have also issued warnings about heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Antarctic disruption translates into severe weather on the ground.
REFH – Newshub, 26 September 2025
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