Key Takeaways
- Australia is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures expected to soar in the coming days
- The heatwave is expected to lead to extreme fire danger in southern parts of South Australia and high fire danger in south-eastern Australia
- Climate change is worsening fire conditions, with drying conditions and increased frequency of severe fire weather
- Millions of people live in outer-suburban areas that are at risk of bushfires, with many lacking emergency plans and kits
- The average annual temperature for Australia in 2025 was 1.23 degrees above the 1961-90 baseline, with 2025 expected to be the equal second-hottest year on record globally
Introduction to the Heatwave
The Australian region is bracing itself for a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to rise significantly in the coming days. Melbourne is expected to cool down to the low to mid-30s on Thursday, but the temperature is expected to soar again on Friday before a stronger cool change. The sea breeze is likely to provide some relief in the eastern parts of Sydney, keeping temperatures down to the low 30s for most of the week. However, the suburbs west of Olympic Park are expected to experience three days in a row of temperatures in the low 40s, with Penrith reaching 44 degrees on Saturday.
Fire Danger and Climate Change
The heatwave is expected to lead to extreme fire danger in southern parts of South Australia on Wednesday and high fire danger for much of south-eastern Australia on Wednesday and Friday. The wind is expected to pick up on Friday, resulting in widespread extreme fire danger in South Australia and western Victoria on Friday and then eastern Victoria and south-eastern NSW on Saturday. Climate change is a significant contributor to the worsening fire conditions, with drying conditions and increased frequency of severe fire weather. The Climate Council has released a report warning that massive urban fires could occur in Australia, similar to the Los Angeles fires that occurred on January 6 last year.
Population Growth and Bushfire Risk
The population growth in outer-suburban areas is also a significant factor in the increased risk of bushfires. There are now over 2 million people living on the urban fringe of Melbourne, up 111% from 2001 to 2024. The population on the urban fringe of Perth has also more than doubled, while Sydney has 1.6 million people living on the urban fringe, up 24% over the 23-year period. However, many of these residents are not prepared for bushfires, with less than half of Australians having emergency plans or emergency kits prepared for disasters.
Climate Change and Temperature Records
The average annual temperature for Australia in 2025 was 21.8 degrees, 1.23 degrees above the 1961-90 baseline. This makes 2025 one of the hottest years on record, with 2019 being the hottest year at 1.51 degrees above the long-term average. Globally, 2025 is expected to be the equal second-hottest year on record, according to the European Union’s Copernicus agency. The increasing temperatures are a clear indication of the impact of climate change on the environment, and the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
Preparedness and Emergency Planning
The lack of preparedness among Australians for bushfires and other disasters is a significant concern. Andrew Gissing, chief executive of Natural Hazards Research Australia, notes that research suggests that less than half of Australians have emergency plans or emergency kits prepared. The growth in population in at-risk areas, degradation of the environment, and climate change are all contributing to the increased risk of natural hazards. It is essential for individuals and communities to take proactive steps to prepare for disasters, including developing emergency plans and kits, and staying informed about weather conditions and fire danger.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the heatwave in Australia is a significant concern, with extreme fire danger and high temperatures expected in the coming days. Climate change is worsening fire conditions, and the growth in population in outer-suburban areas is increasing the risk of bushfires. It is essential for individuals and communities to take proactive steps to prepare for disasters, including developing emergency plans and kits. The increasing temperatures and extreme weather events are a clear indication of the impact of climate change on the environment, and the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects. As the world continues to experience the effects of climate change, it is crucial to prioritize preparedness, emergency planning, and environmental sustainability to reduce the risk of natural hazards and create a more resilient future.