Hot at the Australian Open, Cyclone Hits North

Hot weather is expected for outdoor play at the Australian Open today.Temperatures will soar well into the 90s.

Meanwhile, powerful Cyclone Magda will hit the northern coast of Australia onthe Timor Sea coast with winds well over 100 mph.

Fortunately, the cyclone will affect a sparsely populated area. However, thispart of Australia has a large mining operation. Mines could be flooded by thecyclone. Also, shipping and transportation around the mines will be affected.

January marks the height of summer "Down Under." For Melbourne, this can meansharp day-to-day shifts in weather and temperature, having consequences foroutdoor tennis play at the Open.

The normal daily temperature extremes during the Open include a high of 78 F,or 25.6 C, and a low of 57 F, or 13.9 C. However, averages do not begin to tellthe whole story.

On one hand, daytime temperatures can top 110 F, or 43 C, easily hot enough toaffect play dramatically. This happens when desert heat from the heart ofAustralia sweeps southward ahead of cold fronts. Gusty winds and dust canaccompany these hot blasts, which normally have very low humidity.

At the same time, Melbourne's proximity to the South Ocean, always a cold bodyof water, means that cool winds are common. When such southerly winds coincidewith rain, it can feel downright chilly with daytime readings not far from 59F, or 15 C.

While the primary facility boasts a retractable roof, and thus allows forall-weather play, many matches are held on open-air courts subject tocancelation due to rain or heat. For example, play during Jan. 28-30, 2009, wasaffected by the heat, as temperatures soared above 110 F, or 43 C.

This year, scheduled play, in light on Monday's opening, will run 14 days,through Jan. 31.