It's the end of the first week of the Australia Open 2019, so how has this year fared so far and what lies ahead. The first week has been by no means a cool one, with five of the first six days above the January average of 26 degrees, and three of those peaking above 30 degrees. This weekend, the middle Saturday and Sunday, have been a cooler, bringing more pleasant conditions for the players and spectators. The average maximum temperature for the first week this year comes out at 28 degrees, around 2 degrees above the monthly average, which whilst very warm, is a couple of degrees cooler than last years average maximum for the first week. In 2018 the first week experienced two blistering days at or just above 40 degrees, with one day at 30 degrees and the rest largely close to or below average. So whilst this year has seen overall hotter days, the average maximum temperature for first week in 2018 actually came out at 30 degrees, around 4 degrees above average, largely due to the two stand out 40 degree days that year. Looking to the week ahead, further heat is expected to return to Melbourne, with the potential for 40 degree heat towards the end of the week. Heat this week will be split, first peaking on Tuesday when the mercury could tip 30 degrees again, before a a weak cool change brings conditions back to average for a day. On Thursday and Friday heat is expected to build rapidly, potentially becoming the hottest pair of days at the tournament this year, as temperatures are set to peak in the mid-to-high 30's on Thursday and closer to the 40 degree mark on Friday. Good news for players and spectators alike however over the weekend as cooler conditions look to return in time for finals weekend. If you're heading to Melbourne park this week, be sure to stay up to date with the latest forecast and remember, Slip, Slop Slap.