Dry, occasionally gusty weather forecast in Melbourne as Australian Open continues
By
Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Jan 20, 2020 4:21 PM EDT
The weather has already proven disruptive for the Australian Open, which kicked off on Monday, Jan. 20, with episodes of rain and wind plaguing the Melbourne region.
The first day of the tournament had significant impacts from the weather as a storm that passed through southeastern Australia brought showers and thunderstorms.
Spectators wait as rain stops play during a first round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)
The wet weather caused several matches to be rescheduled.
Dry weather returned to Melbourne on Tuesday as beautiful conditions allowed for no delays to play.
Heat made its first appearance at this year's tournament on Wednesday as afternoon highs reached 32 C (90 F). The normal high temperature for the middle of January is 26 degrees Celsius (around 78 degrees Fahrenheit).
An increase in winds also impacted play on Wednesday with frequent gusts of 50-65 km/h (30-40 mph). A few gusts in the Melbourne area reached 80 km/h (50 mph).
The strong winds were noted by several players including Novak Djokovic.
Despite a quick win in straight sets, Djokovic said, "I don't think players enjoy these kind of conditions, to be honest. It is what it is. You have to accept them and embrace the fact that you're going to - I guess you're going to be challenged on different levels, not just by your opponent, but also the conditions.
Rain returned to the area Wednesday night with downpours expected throughout the night.
Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, right, and Michael Mmoh of the U.S. play during their second round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Some lingering rain may dampen morning activities in Melbourne on Thursday before drier weather returns for the afternoon. Gusty winds may continue to affect play at times throughout the day.
More dry weather is expected on Friday with an occasional gusty breeze.
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Additional days of dry weather are forecast for this weekend to wrap up the first week of the tournament.
Heat is not expected to be an an issue into early next week; however, dangerous heat may make an appearance for the final days of the tournament as hot air from Australia's interior attempts to spread all the way to Melbourne.
Rainfall and heat may not be the only forecast closely scrutinized for the tournament. Air quality will also determine if matches will be postponed or moved indoors.
In this Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, aerial photo, wildfires rage under plumes of smoke in Bairnsdale, Australia. Thousands of tourists fled Australia's wildfire-ravaged eastern coast Thursday ahead of worsening conditions as the military started to evacuate people trapped on the shore farther south. (Glen Morey via AP)
Controversy rose last week as qualifiers began amid smoky conditions in Melbourne. Matches were postponed, and several athletes shared concerns over the safety of the conditions.
"The more I think about the conditions we played in a few days ago, the more it boils my blood," British player Liam Brody posted on Twitter. "We can't let this slide. The email we received yesterday from the ATP and AO was a slap in the face, conditions were 'playable'. Were they 'healthy'?"
The annual tennis tournament and first of the sport's four 'Grand Slam' events, will continue into early February.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo
News / Sports
Dry, occasionally gusty weather forecast in Melbourne as Australian Open continues
By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Jan 20, 2020 4:21 PM EDT
The weather has already proven disruptive for the Australian Open, which kicked off on Monday, Jan. 20, with episodes of rain and wind plaguing the Melbourne region.
The first day of the tournament had significant impacts from the weather as a storm that passed through southeastern Australia brought showers and thunderstorms.
Spectators wait as rain stops play during a first round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)
The wet weather caused several matches to be rescheduled.
Dry weather returned to Melbourne on Tuesday as beautiful conditions allowed for no delays to play.
Heat made its first appearance at this year's tournament on Wednesday as afternoon highs reached 32 C (90 F). The normal high temperature for the middle of January is 26 degrees Celsius (around 78 degrees Fahrenheit).
An increase in winds also impacted play on Wednesday with frequent gusts of 50-65 km/h (30-40 mph). A few gusts in the Melbourne area reached 80 km/h (50 mph).
The strong winds were noted by several players including Novak Djokovic.
Despite a quick win in straight sets, Djokovic said, "I don't think players enjoy these kind of conditions, to be honest. It is what it is. You have to accept them and embrace the fact that you're going to - I guess you're going to be challenged on different levels, not just by your opponent, but also the conditions.
Rain returned to the area Wednesday night with downpours expected throughout the night.
Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, right, and Michael Mmoh of the U.S. play during their second round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Some lingering rain may dampen morning activities in Melbourne on Thursday before drier weather returns for the afternoon. Gusty winds may continue to affect play at times throughout the day.
More dry weather is expected on Friday with an occasional gusty breeze.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
Additional days of dry weather are forecast for this weekend to wrap up the first week of the tournament.
Heat is not expected to be an an issue into early next week; however, dangerous heat may make an appearance for the final days of the tournament as hot air from Australia's interior attempts to spread all the way to Melbourne.
Rainfall and heat may not be the only forecast closely scrutinized for the tournament. Air quality will also determine if matches will be postponed or moved indoors.
In this Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, aerial photo, wildfires rage under plumes of smoke in Bairnsdale, Australia. Thousands of tourists fled Australia's wildfire-ravaged eastern coast Thursday ahead of worsening conditions as the military started to evacuate people trapped on the shore farther south. (Glen Morey via AP)
Controversy rose last week as qualifiers began amid smoky conditions in Melbourne. Matches were postponed, and several athletes shared concerns over the safety of the conditions.
"The more I think about the conditions we played in a few days ago, the more it boils my blood," British player Liam Brody posted on Twitter. "We can't let this slide. The email we received yesterday from the ATP and AO was a slap in the face, conditions were 'playable'. Were they 'healthy'?"
The annual tennis tournament and first of the sport's four 'Grand Slam' events, will continue into early February.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo