Key Takeaways
- Record-breaking temperatures were recorded in Victoria’s north-west, with Walpeup and Hopetoun reaching 48.9 degrees Celsius.
- The temperature eclipses the previous highest recorded temperature of 48.8C, which was recorded at Hopetoun Airport during the Black Saturday bushfires.
- New record temperatures were recorded in several locations, including Mildura, Longerenong, Horsham, Mortlake, Hamilton, Warrnambool, and Walpeup.
- A cool change is expected to bring relief to the south-west of the state, with temperatures expected to drop in the second half of the evening.
- The heatwave is part of an extended run of extreme weather, with temperatures of 49C forecast for the state’s north-east.
Introduction to the Heatwave
A severe heatwave has delivered record-breaking temperatures in Victoria’s north-west, with Walpeup and Hopetoun recording a new statewide maximum of 48.9 degrees Celsius. The state’s north-east was put on notice when temperatures of 49C were forecast as part of an extended run of extreme weather. The mercury officially hit 48.9C in Walpeup, near Ouyen, at 3:36pm, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) observations. This temperature was matched at Hopetoun Airport, around one hour’s drive south of Walpeup, at 4:06pm. The temperature in these areas was extremely high, causing concern for the residents and prompting warnings from the authorities.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The temperature of 48.9C in Walpeup and Hopetoun eclipses the previous highest recorded temperature of 48.8C, which was recorded at Hopetoun Airport during the Black Saturday bushfires. Melbourne’s highest temperature was also recorded on Black Saturday — 46.4C on February 7, 2009. The highest-ever recorded temperature at Mildura is 50.7C in January 1906, but this is excluded from official records because of the instrumentation used. New record temperatures were recorded today in Mildura (48.6C), Longerenong (48.1C), Horsham (47.8C), Mortlake (46.3C), Hamilton (45C), Warrnambool (45C), and Walpeup. Records were also beaten in SA at Renmark (49.3C) and Loxton (48.1C). These record-breaking temperatures are a cause for concern, as they indicate a trend of increasing temperatures in the region.
Temperature Records in Melbourne and Surrounds
Parts of Melbourne breached the 45C mark, including Laverton (45.5C) and Point Cook (45.3C) in the city’s west, while Melbourne Airport hit 44.1C. Olympic Park in the centre of Melbourne peaked at 42.7C at 4:48pm. The high temperatures in Melbourne and its surrounds are a concern, as they can cause heat-related illnesses and discomfort to the residents. The authorities have warned people to take precautions and stay hydrated to avoid heat-related problems. The temperature records in Melbourne and its surrounds are also a indication of the severity of the heatwave, which is affecting the entire state.
Relief from the Heatwave
The BOM’s Christie Johnson told ABC Victoria Statewide Drive that a cool change was rolling over the south-west of the state, and was expected to reach Geelong about 6:30pm. "It’s definitely going to be bringing some relief into the second half of the evening," she said. The cool change is expected to bring temperatures down, providing relief to the residents who have been experiencing the extreme heat. The BOM will analyse all peak temperatures before confirming official records tomorrow. The relief from the heatwave is welcome news, as it will help to mitigate the effects of the extreme weather.
Context of the Heatwave
The heatwave is part of an extended run of extreme weather, with temperatures of 49C forecast for the state’s north-east. It comes on the back of a record-breaking day across the border, where an exhausting 49.5C was reached at Ceduna on South Australia’s far west coast yesterday. The heatwave is an ominous start to the year, following a significantly hot 2025 across the board. Last year was Australia’s fourth-warmest year since national records began in 1910, according to the BOM, with the national annual average temperature 1.23C above the 1961–1990 average. The heatwave is a reminder of the need to take precautions and be prepared for extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the record-breaking temperatures in Victoria’s north-west are a cause for concern, as they indicate a trend of increasing temperatures in the region. The heatwave is part of an extended run of extreme weather, with temperatures of 49C forecast for the state’s north-east. The relief from the heatwave is welcome news, as it will help to mitigate the effects of the extreme weather. However, it is essential to take precautions and be prepared for extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The authorities and residents must work together to mitigate the effects of the heatwave and ensure public safety.