Melbourne, Australia, 1 December 2013 | Tennis Australia

Marking the official start to summer Tennis Australia announced that players and fans can expect a sizzling fortnight of world-class tennis at the Australian Open this January.

That’s the word from Australian Open weather forecaster Bob Leighton, who today joined Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley to deliver his tournament forecast and the promise of fine weather ahead.

“Average temperatures for January 2014 are likely to be above normal, with a few days expected to hit 30 degrees or more” Leighton said.

“At this early stage we can expect some rainfall, but the long-range forecast is for great tennis weather on most days.”

Six weeks out from Australian Open 2014, and on the back of a cool and damp spring, Craig Tiley welcomed the news of a warm summer.

“The Australian Open is synonymous with summer in Melbourne and players and fans look forward to warm conditions at Melbourne Park each year,” Tiley said.

“Margaret Court Arena, still in the stages of redevelopment, will be handed back to us this week. The spectacular new roof is on, and although not retractable this year, the roof and new concourse area will provide more than 3200 square metres of 360 degree shade, welcome news for fans when the temperature rises.”

Australian Open retail stores are busy stocking their shelves ready for the Grand Slam, with fans expected to drink their way through more than 145,000 bottles of water, and players to mop their brows with an estimated 2,500 official Australian Open towels during the two weeks.

During each day of the tournament, meteorologist Leighton will monitor the on-site conditions and temperature, predicting coming weather conditions – particularly rain or extreme heat – minute by minute.

Australian Open Fast Facts

• Australian Open 2009 was the warmest event on record, with the average daily maximum 34.7C, nine degrees above normal
• The coolest Australian Open was in 1986, when the maximum temperature averaged just 22.5C, 3.5 degrees below normal
• On 29 January, 1963, 108mm of rain fell on Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, making it the wettest day in Australian Open history

Tickets for Australian Open 2014 are now on sale through www.ticketek.com.au.