MAPS: A 'horrifying' three-day heatwave hits Australia's east coast today

Image: Bureau of Meteorology.

A bruising heatwave described by one climate researcher as “horrifying” is moving across Australia, with extreme conditions expected across much of South Australia and the eastern states.

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of high temperatures and humid nights through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, especially around Sydney and north to the Queensland-NSW border. A cool change is expected in Melbourne today although inland Victoria will remain very warm until the weekend.

The Australian Energy Market Operator said it was actively working to try and avoid blackouts – like that ordered in Adelaide on Wednesday night – as the high temperatures move across the country.

“AEMO has today published market notices forecasting a tightening supply/demand balance across South Australia and New South Wales over the coming days, and is working with the market to mitigate the need for further load shedding events,” the authority said in a statement.

Read the The Business Insider story - “MAPS: A 'horrifying' three-day heatwave hits Australia's east coast today.”