2009 southeastern Australia heat wave: Difference between revisions

! align|title="center" colspan="2" style="background:white; font-size:110%; padding:0.75em; color:black;" | 2009 southeastern Australia heat wave'''

The '''2009 southeastern Australia heat wave''' was a [[heat wave]] that commenced in late January and led to record-breaking prolonged high temperatures in the region. The heat wave is considered one of the, if not the, most extreme in the region's history.<ref name="stories1">{{cite news | title = Heatwave record set in Melbourne | work = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | publisher = ABC News | date = 30 January 2009 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/30/2478827.htm | accessdateaccess-date = 1 February 2009}}</ref> During the heat wave, fifty separate locations set various records for consecutive, highest daytime and overnight temperatures. The highest temperature recorded during the heat wave was {{convert|48.8|°C|°F}} in [[Hopetoun, Victoria|Hopetoun]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], a record for the state.<ref name="SCS17d"/> Many locations through the region recorded all-time high temperatures including capital cities [[Adelaide]], which reached its third-highest temperature, {{convert|45.7|°C|°F}}, and [[Melbourne]], which recorded its highest-ever temperature on record, {{convert|46.4|°C|°F}}. Both cities broke records for the most consecutive days over {{convert|40|°C|°F}}, while [[Mildura, Victoria]] recorded an all-time record twelve consecutive days over {{convert|43|°C|°F}}.

The exceptional heat wave was caused by a slow-moving [[Atmospheric pressure|high-pressure system]] that settled over the [[Tasman Sea]], with a combination of an intense [[Tropical Cyclone|tropical low]] located off the [[North West Australia]]n coast and a [[monsoon trough]] over [[Northern Australia]], which produced ideal conditions for hot tropical air to be directed down over southeastern Australia.<ref name="SCS17d">{{Citation | title = The exceptional January–February 2009 heatwave in south-eastern Australia | publisher = National Climate Centre | work = Bureau of Meteorology | page = 2 | date = 12 February 2009 | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/statements/scs17d.pdf }}</ref> The heat began in South Australia on 25 January but became more widespread over southeast Australia by 27 January. A weak [[Weather front|cool change]] moved over the southern coastal areas bringing some relief on 30 January,<ref name="SCS17d"/> including Melbourne, where the change arrived that evening, dropping temperatures to an average of {{convert|30.8|°C|°F}}. Higher temperatures returned on the following weekend with Melbourne recording its hottest day since records began in 1855, {{convert|46.4|°C|°F}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/city-swelters-records-tumble-in-heat-20090207-80ai.html |title=City swelters, records tumble in heat |publisher=The Age, Melbourne |date=7 February 2009|accessdateaccess-date=7 February 2009 | first=Hamish | last=Townsend}}</ref>

The heat wave generated extreme fire conditions during the peak of the [[2008–09 Australian bushfire season]], causing many [[bushfireBushfires in Australia|bushfires]]s in the affected region, contributing to the extreme bushfire conditions on 7 February, also known as the [[Black Saturday bushfires]], which claimed 173 lives in Victoria.<ref name="VicPol">{{cite web|title=Bushfire update |work=Victorian Government |publisher=Victoria Police |date=9 February 2009 |url=http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=19190 |accessdateaccess-date=9 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313151520/http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=19190 |archivedatearchive-date=13 March 2009 }}</ref>

The heat wave was caused by a slow-moving high-pressure system that settled over the Tasman Sea. Coupled with an intense tropical low and a monsoon trough over Northern Australia, this produced hot, tropical air to be directed over southeastern Australia, raising temperatures significantly. The [[CSIRO]] stated that "The warm lower tropospheric anticyclone is the key synoptic weather system responsible for the heat-waves."<ref>{{cite web|title=The Meteorology of Australia's Heat Waves|url=http://www.cawcr.gov.au/events/modelling_workshops/workshop_2009/presentations/McBRIDE_2DEC.pdf|accessdateaccess-date=14 February 2014|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925045004/http://www.cawcr.gov.au/events/modelling_workshops/workshop_2009/presentations/McBRIDE_2DEC.pdf|archivedatearchive-date=25 September 2010}}</ref> The heat wave was the worst in Australia's history.

During the heat wave, several records were broken; [[Tasmania]] recorded its highest-ever temperature; {{nowrap|42.2 °C (108 °F)}} in Scamander, and the long-standing Tasmanian record of {{nowrap|{{convert|40.8|°C|°F}}}} (recorded in Hobart on 4 January 1976) was broken five times within two days at [[Flinders Island]], Fingal (twice), St Helens and Scamander,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24984926-12377,00.html|title= Houses destroyed, records broken in heatwave|date=30 January 2009|work=The Australian|publisher=News Limited|accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306064954/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24984926-12377,00.html|archive-date=6 March 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> while [[Hopetoun, Victoria|Hopetoun]] in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] recorded the state's highest temperature and the highest temperature of the heat wave, with a reading of {{convert|48.8|°C|°F}}.<ref name="SCS17d"/>

*Average daily maximum 27 January – 7 February: {{convert|40.5|°C|°F}} – (11.1&nbsp;°C (20.0&nbsp;°F) above average)<ref>{{cite web | title = Daily maximum temperature ADELAIDE (KENT TOWN) | work = Australian Government | publisher = Bureau of Meteorology | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=122&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=2009&p_stn_num=023090 | accessdateaccess-date = 20 October 2010}}</ref>

*Average daily maximum 27 January – 7 February: <span style="color:red;">{{convert|35.9|°C|°F}}</span> – (10.1&nbsp;°C<!--no {{convert}} here - see Talk:Late_2009_southeastern_Australia_heat_wave#Temperature conversion --> (18.2&nbsp;F) above average)<ref>{{cite web | title = Daily maximum temperature MELBOURNE REGIONAL OFFICE | work = Australian Government | publisher = Bureau of Meteorology | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=122&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=2009&p_stn_num=086071 | accessdateaccess-date = 20 October 2010}}</ref>

==Temperatures (Dailydaily Maximummaximum)==

*27th – {{convert|32.9|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Avalon, Victoria January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW3003.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=1 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205153230/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW3003.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=5 February 2009 }}</ref>

*27th – {{convert|44.8|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Ceduna, South Australia January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW5009.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=4 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205153247/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW5009.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=5 February 2009 }}</ref>

*26th – {{convert|38.0|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Mildura, Victoria January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW3051.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=4 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205153235/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW3051.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=5 February 2009 }}</ref>

*7th – <span style="color:red;">{{convert|46.6|°C|°F}}</span><ref name=DeniliquinDailyobs1>{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW2039.200901.shtml|title=Deniliquin, New South Wales – January 2009 Daily Weather Observations|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|accessdateaccess-date=20 November 2011|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205153220/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW2039.200901.shtml|archivedatearchive-date=5 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = South-east bakes under record temperatures | work = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | publisher = ABC News | date = 7 February 2009 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/07/2485183.htm?section=australia | accessdateaccess-date = 7 February 2009 }}</ref>

*26th – {{convert|37.7|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Swan Hill, Victoria January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW3077.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=1 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205153240/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW3077.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=5 February 2009 }}</ref>

*27th – {{convert|36.4|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Melbourne, Victoria January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW3050.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=1 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406072111/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW3050.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=6 April 2009 }}</ref>

*7th – <span style="color:red;">{{convert|46.4|°C|°F}}</span> – Hottest day recorded in Melbourne <ref>{{cite news | title = Melbourne's hottest ever day | work = Fairfax Media | publisher = 3AW | url = http://www.3aw.com.au/melbournes-hottest-ever-day/20090207-80cs.html | accessdateaccess-date = 8 February 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090210175909/http://www.3aw.com.au/melbournes-hottest-ever-day/20090207-80cs.html | archive-date = 10 February 2009 | dead-url-status = yesdead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> 0.8&nbsp;°C hotter than previous record (Friday, 13 January 1939).

*26th – {{convert|36.6|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Adelaide, South Australia January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW5002.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=4 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306115043/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW5002.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=6 March 2009 }}</ref>

A record-high minimum temperature was recorded at around midnight on 29 January, when the temperature dropped to only {{convert|33.9|°C|°F}} at the [[Bureau of Meteorology]] weather station in [[Kent Town, South Australia|Kent Town]], near the Adelaide city centre. Temperatures recorded in other parts of the city and other towns throughout South Australia were even higher.<ref>{{cite web | title = Adelaide swelters through hottest night | publisherwork = ABC News | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/29/2476856.htm | accessdateaccess-date = 1 February 2009}}</ref>

*6th – {{convert|45.6|°C|°F}}
*7th – <span style="color:red;">{{convert|4546.62|°C|°F}}</span>

*26th – {{convert|37.7|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Wagga Wagga, New South Wales January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW2139.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=1 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205153225/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW2139.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=5 February 2009 }}</ref>

*7th – <span style="color:red;">{{convert|45.2|°C|°F}}</span> – Hottest day recorded in [[Wagga Wagga]] since records began in 1941.<ref name="YSWG">{{cite web | title = Summary statistics Wagga Wagga Airport | work = Australian Government | publisher = Bureau of Meteorology | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_072150_All.shtml | accessdateaccess-date = 8 February 2009}}</ref>

On 31 January 2009, Wagga Wagga broke the all-time January record for the most days above {{convert|40.0|°C|°F}} with six days recorded (the record previously being five days, which was set in 1952 and equalled in 1979 and 2001). The January record set in 1979 was equalled for number of days above {{convert|35.0|°C|°F}} or more which is 19 days.<ref>{{cite news |last=Grimson |first=Ken | title = Red Hot | work = Fairfax Media | url = http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/red-hot/1422103.aspx | publisher = The Daily Advertiser | date = 2 February 2009 | accessdateaccess-date = 2 February 2009}}</ref>

Wagga Wagga broke the all-time record and the February record for the highest recorded maximum on 7 February 2009, 2:50pm [[Time in Australia|AEDT]] the city recorded {{convert|45.2|°C|°F}} with the previous February record being {{convert|44.6|°C|°F}} set on 1 February 1968 and the all time previously being {{convert|44.8|°C|°F}} set on 23 January 2001.<ref name="YSWG"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Higgins |first=Ben | title = Temperatures set to drop next week | work = Fairfax Media | url = http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/temperatures-set-to-drop-next-week/1428385.aspx | publisher = The Daily Advertiser | date = 9 February 2009 | accessdateaccess-date = 9 February 2009}}</ref>

On 8 February 2009, the record for the consecutive days over {{convert|37.8|°C|°F}} was to be broken with thirteen consecutive days recorded (the previous record being six days, which was set in 1946 and equalled in 1979, 1980 and 2004). Wagga Wagga also recorded fourteen consecutive days of over {{convert|35.0|°C|°F}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Grimson |first=Ken | title = Another hot record is set | work = Fairfax Media | url = http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/another-hot-record-is-set/1423176.aspx | publisher = The Daily Advertiser | date = 3 February 2009 | accessdateaccess-date = 3 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Grimson |first=Ken | title = Plants wither in hot weather | work = Fairfax Media | url = http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/plants-wither-in-hot-weather/1425684.aspx | publisher = The Daily Advertiser | date = 5 February 2009 | accessdateaccess-date = 5 February 2009}}</ref>

*26th – {{convert|38.4|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web | title = Albury-Wodonga January 2009 Daily Weather Observations | work = Australian Government | publisher = Bureau of Meteorology | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW2002.200901.shtml | accessdateaccess-date = 1 February 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

*7th – <span style="color:red;">{{convert|44.8|°C|°F}}</span> – Hottest day recorded in Albury–Wodonga since records began in 1973.<ref>{{cite web | title = Summary statistics Albury Airport | work = Australian Government | publisher = Bureau of Meteorology | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_072146_All.shtml | accessdateaccess-date = 8 February 2009}}</ref>

*28th – {{convert|34.8|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Canberra January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW2801.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=1 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226192642/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW2801.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=26 February 2009 }}</ref>

*28th – {{convert|33.8|°C|°F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Launceston, Tasmania January 2009 Daily Weather Observations |work=Australian Government |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW7025.200901.shtml |accessdateaccess-date=4 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205153252/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200901/html/IDCJDW7025.200901.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=5 February 2009 }}</ref>

*30th – <span style="color:red;">{{convert|39.0|°C|°F}}</span> – Hottest day recorded in Launceston since records began in 1980.<ref>{{cite web | title = Tasmania in January 2009 | work = Australian Government | publisher = Bureau of Meteorology | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/month/tas/summary.shtml | accessdateaccess-date = 9 February 2009}}</ref>

After a slow start to the [[2008–09 Australian bushfire season]], the high temperatures and wind precipitated several [[bushfireBushfires in Australia|bushfires]]s across Victoria and South Australia. The conditions were very similar to the heat wave experienced in early January 1939, which killed 438 people and precipitated the ''[[Black Friday (1939)|Black Friday]]'' bushfires of 1939.

Fires were also started in the [[Australian Alps]] by lightning strikes from dry [[thunderstorms]] in north-east Victoria and south-east New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news | title = Authorities keep eye on north-east fires | work = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | publisher = ABC Goulburn Murray | date = 4 February 2009 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/04/2481838.htm?site=goulburnmurray | accessdateaccess-date = 4 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Bibby | first = Paul | title = Storm clouds bring threat of dry lightning – and fire | work = Fairfax Media | publisher = The Sydney Morning Herald | date = 4 February 2009 | url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/storm-clouds-bring-threat-of-dry-lightning--and-fire/2009/02/03/1233423223152.html | accessdateaccess-date = 4 February 2009}}</ref>

The tail end of the heat wave also precipitated the Black Saturday bushfires, in which 173 people died, 414 injured and 2,029 houses destroyed at various locations across the state.<ref name="VicPol"/> Several locations around the state recorded their highest temperatures since records began in 1859 and winds gusted up to 110&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bushfires in Victoria kill 14 more deaths feared |work=News Limited |publisher=Herald Sun |date=7 February 2009 |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25018722-661,00.html |accessdateaccess-date=7 February 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208121926/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25018722-661,00.html |archivedatearchive-date=8 February 2009 }}</ref>

Many areas in central South Australia, northern Victoria and inland New South Wales regularly experience temperatures over {{convert|40|C|F}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geography of South Australia |url=https://mapofaustralia.com/south-australia/geography/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Map of Australia |language=en-US}}</ref> for one, two or three consecutive days, sometimes more, during the summer months. During the heat wave, however, many of these regions experienced temperatures over {{convert|40|C|F}} for twice as long or more, on average, than is normal for that time of year. Coastal regions and the ACT experienced slightly lower temperatures; however, these were still above average and lasted for a prolonged period.

A chart of the variation of maximum and minimum daily temperatures, through the year, for Melbourne<ref name="Melbourne long-term average max/min temperatures">{{ cite news|author=Andrew Watkins|url=http://www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/~awatkins/melbmeantemp.html|title=Melbourne Mean Temperature Graph|work=[[Andrew Watkins, National Climate Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology]]|date=11 February 2009|access-date=11 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121054211/http://www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/~awatkins/melbmeantemp.html|archive-date=21 January 2009|dead-url-status=yesdead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> was prepared from observations between May 1855 and August 2006. For early February, this shows a mean daily maximum temperature of {{convert|26|C|F}} with the 75th-percentile temperature being about {{convert|31|C|F}}.

Localised power outages occurred throughout both cities during the week at varying times for various lengths. It is estimated that over 500,000 residents in Melbourne were without power for the evening of 30 January 2009.<ref name="stories2">{{cite news | title = Melbourne blackout causes chaos | work = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | publisher = ABC News | date = 30 January 2009 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/30/2478898.htm | accessdateaccess-date = 1 February 2009}}</ref> The outage affected much of central Melbourne with train and tram services cancelled, the evacuation of [[Crown Melbourne|Crown Casino]], traffic light failures, people being rescued from lifts and patrons of the Victorian Arts Centre evacuated and shows cancelled. The outage occurred only an hour after the [[National Electricity Market Management Company]] (NEMMCO) issued a statement saying [[load shedding]] was ending and power had been restored.

Blackouts also occurred in the city's west, caused by the three-day heat wave. It is believed an explosion at [[South Morang]] contributed to the power problems along three transmission lines supplying Victoria's west and Victorian power supplier [[SP AusNet]] shed 1,000 megawatts.<ref name="stories2"/> On the 30th, Energy Minister [[Peter Batchelor]] announced consumers who lose power for more than 20 hours would be eligible for compensation.<ref name="stories1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24987389-2862,00.html |title=Statement from the Premier's Department on the Victorian blackout |publisher=Herald Sun |work=News Limited |date=30 January 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009}}</ref><ref name="heraldsun1">{{cite news|author=Ashley Gardiner |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24986957-2862,00.html |title=Victorian blackout causes commuter chaos |publisher=Herald Sun |work=News Limited |date=31 January 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131090934/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24986957-2862,00.html |archivedatearchive-date=31 January 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Victoria Simos |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24986959-2862,00.html |title=Crown casino evacuated as power goes out across Victoria |publisher=Herald Sun |date=31 January 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Alice Coster |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24986916-2862,00.html |title=People forced to walk streets in Victorian blackout |publisher=Herald Sun |work=News Limited |date=31 January 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/thousands-still-without-power-20090131-7u9b.html |title=Thousands still without power |publisher=The Age |work=Fairfax Media |accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009 |date=31 January 2009 | location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lucas |first=Clay |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/train-system-completely-off-the-rails-20090130-7u1a.html |title=Train system completely off the rails |publisher=The Age |work=Fairfax Media |date=27 January 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009 |location=Melbourne |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201034248/http://www.theage.com.au/national/train-system-completely-off-the-rails-20090130-7u1a.html |archivedatearchive-date=1 February 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

As of 1 February, the heat wave is estimated to have cost the Victorian economy $100m during the week.<ref name="BlackHole">{{cite news | last = Houston | first = Cameron |author2=Reilly, Tom |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/heat-leaves-100m-black-hole-20090131-7ugc.html |title=Heat leaves $100m black hole |publisher=The Age |work=Fairfax Media |date=1 February 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=1 February 2009 | location=Melbourne}}</ref>

===TransportationTransport===

Over the course of the week, thousands of train and tram services were cancelled in both cities, with more than 1,300<ref name="BlackHole"/> individual train services cancelled in metropolitan Melbourne alone. The cancellations were due to buckling rail lines, air conditioner failures and power outages.<ref name="heraldsun1"/> On the 30th, all public transport in the city was free as the government admitted responsibility for failing to provide adequate infrastructure elements to cope with the heat, as well as long-standing issues with underfunding.<ref>{{cite news | last = Lucas | first = Clay |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/not-enough-spent-says-kosky-20090127-7qzq.html?page=-1 |title=Not enough spent, says Kosky |publisher= The Age |work= Fairfax Media |date=28 January 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=1 February 2009 | location=Melbourne}}</ref> On the 30th, 730 (40%) of rail services were cancelled, the worst day of operation since Connex took control in 2004.<ref name="BlackHole"/>

Several outdoor matches during the [[2009 Australian Open]] on the 29th and the 30th were cancelled due to the heat. A number of players, including number 3 seed [[Novak Djokovic]], cited the temperature as reason for withdrawing from matches.<ref>{{cite news | title = Record-breaking heat scorches southern Australia | work = The Associated Press | publisher = International Herald Tribune | date = 30 January 2009 | url = http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/30/asia/AS-Australia-Heat-Wave.php | accessdateaccess-date = 1 February 2009}}</ref> [[Serena Williams]] was quoted as saying it was so hot on court she felt like she was having an "[[out-of-body experience]]".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gBBuhzlpcQD55RsYlYlrp3BVAOEQ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204015630/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gBBuhzlpcQD55RsYlYlrp3BVAOEQ | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 February 2009 | title=Homes razed, chaos in record Australian heatwave | publisher=AFP | date=30 January 2009 | accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009}}</ref> After these retirements and an intensification in the heat, the organisers responded by closing the roof and allowing players longer breaks and icepacks.

There is dispute between sources as to how many people were affected by the heat wave. Hundreds were treated for heat-related illness and 6 fatalities were confirmed, and a number of "sudden deaths" were suspected to be caused by the heat. Authorities worked through each case to determine exactly how many fatalities were directly attributable to the heat wave.<ref name="AdelaideNow">{{cite news | last = Fewster | first = Sean | title = Coroner waiting for autopsies on heat wave deaths | work = News Limited | publisher = AdelaideNow | date = 3 February 2009 | url = http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25001958-2682,00.html | accessdateaccess-date = 7 February 2009}}</ref>

Commercial news sources vary widely at the number of fatalities, some report only 2 deaths, while others speculate that the toll may ultimately be higher. Fifty-seven deaths were suspected to have occurred in South Australia and 33 in Victoria,<ref name="AdelaideNow"/> however authorities preferred to wait for coronial reports before confirming how many were directly attributable to the heat wave.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Brad Crouch |author2=Kate Kyriacou |author3=Michael Owen |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24984187-5006301,00.html |title=Sudden deaths rise across Adelaide amid 40C-plus heatwave |publisher=AdelaideNow |work=News Limited |date=31 January 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=31 January 2009 |deadurlurl-status=yesdead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131085413/http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24984187-5006301,00.html |archivedatearchive-date=31 January 2009 }}</ref>

The Victorian state coroner announced a tripling of dead bodies being placed in the state mortuary during the heat wave, filling the morgue to capacity. Hospitals and funeral homes were relied upon to provide temporary storage of corpses, even before the deaths associated with the [[Black Saturday bushfires]] created additional demand for mortuary space.<ref>{{cite news|author=Erdem Koch |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/heatwave-puts-morgue-under-pressure-20090206-7zo9.html |title= Heatwave puts morgue under pressure |publisher= The Age |work= Fairfax Digital |date=6 February 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=10 February 2009 | location=Melbourne}}</ref>

Throughout the heat wave, thousands of people, many of them elderly, were confirmed to have been treated by [[ambulance officer]]s and placed in hospitals for heat-related illnesses in Victoria and South Australia. [[Ambulance Victoria]] reported a 70% increase in emergency calls during the week.<ref name="BlackHole"/> It is estimated that around 2,000 people across Victoria and South Australia were treated for [[heat stroke]] and other effects of the heat wave.

According to a [[Monash University]] study of funeral notices, more than 200 people died as a result of the heat wave. A 45% increase in the death rate was noted during the time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/heatwave-left-hundreds-dead-20090221-8ea4.html|title=Heatwave left hundreds dead|publisher=[[The Age]]|date=22 February 2009|accessdateaccess-date=18 November 2009 | location=Melbourne | first=Melissa | last=Fyfe|archive-date=15 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215015920/http://www.theage.com.au/national/heatwave-left-hundreds-dead-20090221-8ea4.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> A subsequent report by Victoria's chief health officer, Dr John Carnie, put the final figure at 374.<ref name="casualties"/>

There were many reports of [[koala]]s wandering into urban yards and houses to drink water offered by residents. This behaviour is highly unusual as the animals do not normally drink water and are naturally shy of people.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/gallery/0,22613,5037290-5014156,00.html|title= How much heat can a koala bear?|publisher= AdelaideNow |work= News Limited |date=10 February 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=10 February 2009}}</ref>

In Melbourne, a city where most trees are non-native, notably the plane trees that line many inner and middle suburban streets, deciduous trees began shedding their leaves by early February, creating the appearance of an early autumn. <ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/city-heatwave-sends-seasons-into-a-spin-20090204-7xxg.html|title=City heatwave sends seasons into a spin|last=Strong|first=Geoff|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref> Water restrictions meant many trees and plants were already stressed, and some street trees and trees in parks where councils had not arranged special watering, died, or suffered die back, as did trees and plants in private gardens.

==External links & further reading==

[[Category:20092000s heat waves|Southeastern Australia heat wave, 2009 early]]