Building heat in Melbourne to coincide with the start of the 2017 Australian Open

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist

By Adam Douty, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 16,2017, 8:28:56AM,EST

 

 

The Australian Open coincides with the hottest time of the year in Melbourne, Australia, and this year is no exception.
After a comfortable weekend, high pressure will shift to the east of Melbourne, and the door will open for hot air from the north to surge into the city. Temperatures at Melbourne Park, home to the Australian Open, will peak around 36-38 C (96-100 F) on Tuesday.
The early afternoon on Tuesday will be the hottest time of the day before a sea breeze kicks in later and allows temperatures to fall.
A high of around 26 C (79 F) is more common at Melbourne Park in January.

This round of heat, however, is not likely to halt play on the outdoor courts and cause officials to close the three retractable roofs. The Australian Open's Extreme Heat Policy only goes into effect once the temperature exceeds 40 C (104 F) and the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reading exceeds 32.5 C (90.5 F).
Calculations for the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature take into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover. As a result of a gusty breeze and low humidity, Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures are expected to remain below action level.
Related:
Detailed Melbourne Forecast
Current Satellite
Australia Weather Center
Fans and players will want to take the necessary precautions, including drinking plenty of water and wearing light-colored clothing, to protect themselves from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
By Tuesday evening, a turn to cooler conditions are expected as a cold front pushes across the city. This front will bring a few showers, but any rain should be brief. More comfortable temperatures will return for play on Wednesday.
Pleasant and dry weather will continue on Thursday before the threat for rain increases Thursday night into Friday.