Table 2

HWD used in three cities (1988–2009)

Heatwave days and threshold
HWD*BrisbaneMelbourneSydney
99%1129.7°C430.1°C029.6°C
95%7028.0°C5627.2°C3727.3°C
90%15327.2°C12825.3°C11826.1°C

  • *HWDs were defined as the mean temperature above the centiles (ie, 90th, 95th or 99th centile) for 2 or more consecutive days in the summer season (1 December to the end of February of next year).

  • HWD, heatwave definition.