Victoria may have experienced its hottest temperatures on record, with preliminary readings of 48.9C at Hopetoun and Walpeup, surpassing the previous record of 48.8C set during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The Bureau of Meteorology is expected to confirm the figures after 9am on Wednesday.
Other locations also saw extreme heat, with Mildura reaching 48.6C, breaking its previous record of 46.9C set in 1990. In South Australia, Renmark hit 49.6C, an all-time record for the rural town. In far-western New South Wales, preliminary observations showed records at Fowlers Gap (49.1C), Broken Hill (47.8C) and Ivanhoe (48.3C).
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore attributed the heatwave to a blocking high in the Tasman Sea and remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Luana trapping hot air over the region. He warned that western NSW, southern Queensland and inland South Australia would face another very hot day on Wednesday, with a cold front not expected until Saturday or Sunday.
Fires continued to burn at emergency level across Victoria, with the Country Fire Authority reporting six major blazes, three out of control. An emergency warning was in place for a fire in Larralea, described as the most significant, with 40 tankers responding. Three properties were reported lost. Total fire bans were declared for the Wimmera and north-east fire districts on Wednesday.
Victoria's chief health officer, Dr Caroline McElnay, warned of increased risk of heat-related illness due to prolonged heat and high overnight temperatures. Authorities urged residents to restrict travel and avoid complacency as the heatwave persists.
