Australia’s most intense heatwave in six years hits south-eastern states with Melbourne set to reach 42C
Extensive regions of South Australia and Victoria are bracing for severe fire warnings today as a hazardous heatwave advances eastward, driving temperatures deep into the 40s. By early afternoon on Wednesday, the temperature reached 39C in Melbourne and 42C in Adelaide. Severe to extreme heatwave conditions spanned from the north-west to the south-east of the country – originating in Western Australia and progressing through SA, Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT, and Tasmania. The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that many locations could see temperatures in the low to mid-40s, marking the most substantial heatwave since the 2019-20 black summer. Victorians forewarned ahead of largest heatwave since 2019 – video. Adelaide and Melbourne were prepared for “oppressive heat,” reaching a peak of 42C on Wednesday, stated senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury, with Elizabeth, in Adelaide’s north, already recording 44C shortly after lunch. The hottest part of the day was yet to materialize, anticipated around 2pm or 3pm, with temperatures expected to stay near their peak into the evening. “This is not just an ordinary spike in summer heat,” said Bradbury. “These are genuinely perilous conditions.” The temperatures across Australia on Wednesday highlight numerous spots where the mercury is expected to exceed 40C. Photograph: Bureau of Meteorology. Murray Bridge, located in SA’s Murraylands region, was on track to reach 46C on Wednesday. Port Augusta, approximately 300km north of Adelaide, might see 45C, followed by a potential 47C on Thursday. Ceduna, a town to the west of SA’s Eyre Peninsula, recorded 45.2C shortly after midday (local time). Roseworthy, situated about 50km north of Adelaide, reported 44C. The town of Hay, in the NSW Riverina, reached 43.2C at 1pm. In Victoria, the highest recorded temperatures so far were 42.5C at Hopetoun and Walpeup as of 12.50pm. Sign up: AU Breaking News email. Northerly winds sweeping through south-eastern Australia are likely to create perilous fire conditions, particularly for SA and Victoria. In Victoria, residents in Bungil, Granya, and Thologolong in the state’s north-east received evacuation warnings to “leave immediately” due to a bushfire moving southward from Mt Lawson State Park that remained uncontrolled. “For South Australia today, virtually the entire state is under extreme fire danger ratings, with the exception of the northern pastoral areas,” Bradbury stated. The additional risk of isolated, dry thunderstorms “clearly raises alarms” for emergency services, she added. Individuals take a dip at Clovelly beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Tuesday. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/AAPCommander Ann Buesnel, from SA’s Country Fire Service, informed the ABC that the terrain was “quite arid.” “We haven’t experienced significant rainfall. Everything is essentially primed to ignite. “Our teams are fully prepared, and our volunteers are ready. We have also deployed additional aircraft to safeguard the state. We have done all we can, and now we look to the community to play their part as well.” Authorities have recommended engaging in low-intensity exercises to minimize the risk of heat stress on the body. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/AAP The public has been urged to implement their bushfire plans, stay informed, and refrain from taking unnecessary risks. The BoM indicated this was the most critical heatwave since the 2019-20 black summer. In Victoria, severe fire danger was anticipated for western and central regions on Wednesday, with extreme ratings across most areas on Friday. A total fire ban was enforced for the Wimmera, south-west, and central districts, including Melbourne and Geelong. The state’s Country Fire Authority chief officer, Jason Heffernan, noted that the hot and arid conditions over the next three days would pose significant challenges for firefighters and those residing or traveling in high-risk regions, urging citizens to be ready to evacuate early and take necessary measures. These conditions would “complicate firefighting efforts should a blaze ignite, and, given the landscape has dried considerably over recent weeks, high fuel loads pose a severe grassfire threat.” “We’re asking individuals to comply with the strict stipulations linked to the total fire ban declaration, contemplate delaying harvesting and cropping activities, and ensure that they have their bushfire emergency plans ready.” Sydney (forecast high of 31C) and Canberra (expected maximum of 35C) were projected to heat up even more starting Thursday. Hobart (with a forecast high of 28C) was predicted to be well above its normal temperatures. Extended periods of hot daytime weather and very warm nights would provide little relief in the days ahead, Bradbury indicated. Temperatures in Adelaide exceeded 40C on Wednesday, as locals flocked to Henley beach for some cool relief. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/Shutterstock. “These are genuinely perilous conditions that could impact not only those most vulnerable to heat, such as individuals who are unwell or elderly, but may also affect healthy young individuals given the ongoing, intense heat.” The Royal Australian College of GPs recommended that residents in impacted regions should “stay hydrated and remain indoors if possible.” Its president, Dr. Michael Wright, cautioned against complacency. “My recommendation for all Australians is to drink ample water, try to stay inside if feasible during peak UV hours of 11am to 3pm … and check in on friends and family members at greater risk from heatwaves, especially older individuals.” Australia recorded its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures rising by 1.23C nationally, according to the BoM. The climate crisis has heightened the incidence and severity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and bushfires.
Published: 2026-01-07 03:06:00
source: www.theguardian.com
