Key Takeaways
- A heatwave is expected to hit Victoria, South Australia, and parts of New South Wales, with temperatures set to soar towards record levels in some areas.
- The heatwave is expected to last for at least five days, with temperatures above 40C in inland areas.
- Extreme fire danger is predicted for several regions, including the south-west and Wimmera in Victoria, and the Yorke peninsula in South Australia.
- The heatwave is part of a larger trend of increasing temperatures and extreme weather events due to the climate crisis.
- No meaningful rain is forecast for the next fortnight, and hotter than average days and nights are expected to continue until April.
Introduction to the Heatwave
Victorians are being warned to prepare for another heatwave, with temperatures set to soar towards record levels in some parts of the state. The heatwave is expected to start on Saturday and last for at least five days, with temperatures above 40C in inland areas. South Australia and parts of New South Wales have also been told to prepare for hot weather, due to a "dome of heat" that has caused record-breaking heat in Western Australia and is moving east. The Bureau of Meteorology’s senior meteorologist, Kevin Parkyn, has warned that many centers are likely to approach their all-time maximum records, with some areas potentially reaching temperatures of up to 48C.
Temperature Forecast
The temperature forecast for the next few days is looking dire, with Adelaide expected to reach 42C on Saturday, and Port Augusta, 300km north of the city, forecast to hit 46C. Melbourne is expected to reach 40C on Saturday, before dipping to 25C on Sunday and 30C on Monday, thanks to a south-westerly wind change. However, the heat is expected to return on Tuesday, with Melbourne forecast to reach 41C, and Ouyen, near Mildura, forecast to reach 48C. The heatwave is expected to be particularly severe in northern Victoria, with temperatures above 40C forecast for several days.
Fire Danger
The heatwave has also raised concerns about fire danger, with extreme fire danger predicted for several regions, including the south-west and Wimmera in Victoria, and the Yorke peninsula in South Australia. The Country Fire Authority’s chief officer, Jason Heffernan, has warned that the sheer heat and topography of the landscape mean that fires could spread rapidly, resulting in volatile fire behavior. There are currently seven major active fires across Victoria, which may burn for days or weeks, and the Longwood fire in central Victoria has already destroyed 320 homes and burnt through 144,000 hectares since it started on January 9.
Records Broken in Western Australia
The heatwave has already broken records in Western Australia, with widespread temperatures in the high 40s on Tuesday stretching from Kalbarri to Carnarvon. Popular holiday spot Shark Bay reached 49.2C, a January record for the site, while maximums inland at Gascoyne Junction hit 48.9C, the second highest January temperature for that station. A new record was also set at Carnarvon airport, with the temperature hitting 47.9C on Tuesday. The heatwave is expected to continue in Western Australia, with temperatures above 45C forecast for parts of the state on Thursday.
Climate Crisis
The heatwave is part of a larger trend of increasing temperatures and extreme weather events due to the climate crisis. Australia experienced its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures up 1.23C nationally, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The climate crisis has increased the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and bushfires. Hotter than average days and nights are expected to continue until April for much of the country, according to the latest long-range forecast. Sea surface temperatures are also expected to remain warmer than average globally, including around Australia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the heatwave expected to hit Victoria, South Australia, and parts of New South Wales is a serious concern, with temperatures set to soar towards record levels in some areas. The heatwave is part of a larger trend of increasing temperatures and extreme weather events due to the climate crisis, and it is essential that authorities and individuals take necessary precautions to prepare for the heat and potential fires. With no meaningful rain forecast for the next fortnight, and hotter than average days and nights expected to continue until April, it is crucial that we take action to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis and prepare for the challenges ahead.
