Australian Open Heat Rules

Insights from Matt Taylor, BBC Chief Meteorologist

Expect Melbourne to endure dramatic fluctuations in thermal conditions. This phenomenon is entirely attributable to its geographical position along Australia’s southeastern coastline.

Given the arid interior situated northward, alongside the frigid Southern Ocean and Antarctica to the south, a swift alteration in atmospheric currents can necessitate seeking relief with a fan on one occasion and donning warmer attire the following.

Throughout the warmer months, Australia’s inland regions warm considerably quickly, and any air movement originating from the north will convey those scorching temperatures.

Conversely, a shift towards a breeze from the south will introduce marine air from waters typically measuring approximately 16-18 degrees Celsius during this period, serving as the metropolis’s inherent cooling mechanism.

Should this atmospheric current originate from a considerable distance further south, one will then encounter significantly chillier atmospheric states and, naturally, reaching for thicker garments.