Southeastern Australia set for unusually warm September weekend amid spring temperature swings

Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore explained that a high-pressure ridge over the Tasman Sea and a western cold front will funnel warm, dry air into southeastern Australia this weekend. Coastal locations are forecast to climb into the high 20s Celsius, with inland regions reaching low to mid 30s, making it the warmest September day in years for many areas. Canberra and Melbourne may log their highest September temperatures since 2023, while Sydney could hit 28°C and Hobart is set for its hottest September day in seven years.

The pattern is expected to reverse early next week with cooler conditions, then potentially shift back to another heat surge later in the week. These fluctuations are typical of the season, described as a “spring rollercoaster,” and come as the Bureau’s spring outlook predicts a warm, dry spell linked to a developing El Niño that could intensify fire risk later in the year.