Australian Open weather: Forecast for each day at Melbourne Park

The weather has been causing havoc during the initial few days of the Australian Open with searing temperatures forcing play to be suspended before a steady deluge of rain has caused some serious fixture congestion. 

Over 20 matches were postponed after Tuesday’s wild weather with tournament organisers left scrambling to re-schedule contests across both the men’s and women’s draws. But what does the future forecast have in store for the Open in Melbourne?

Australian Open continues to be plagued by weather issues as fixtures pile up

The majority of the revised matches were eventually released at the close of play on Tuesday, but since then another band of rain has washed away hours of potential action on Wednesday.

Persistent rain meaning all play on the outside courts couldn’t be commenced at the scheduled morning start time. This continued for hours until organisers were forced to once again re-schedule matches with 16 doubles matches cancelled to cater for the singles draw.  

With just three enclosed courts suitable for hosting matches, additional matchups have been scheduled to take place before the night session begins at 7pm local time.

Following a comfortable victory over Camila Osorio earlier in the day at Rod Laver Arena, world number one Iga Swiatek reflected on the wild weather that had disrupted the tournament so far.

“In Melbourne it’s usually sunny, except today and yesterday,” she joked.

“There’s nothing I think the tournament organisers can do, but I’m surprised that they didn’t put yesterday’s matches earlier today on the stadiums. But I don’t know how it works, honestly.”

On Tuesday, play was actually halted for over three hours though due to extreme heat as the AO Heat Stress Scale registered a maximum reading of five which forced the players off court.

MORE: Australian Open heat policy – When are matches suspended?

However, despite tournament organisers attempting to re-schedule matches, plenty have been left unimpressed with the lack of notice about new times for matches. 

11am start on outside courts.
Players arrive approx 8-830am
Schedule released 1130pm
Unfair.

On top of that the weather is crap. Just start matches later and give players more rest/prep time. You have lights!#ausopen

— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) January 17, 2023

What is the weather forecast in Melbourne during the Australian Open? 

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, there may be some reprieve coming with only a minimal amount of rain forecast across the weekend before a possible storm could occur during the beginning of next week.