South Australia endured another day of extreme heat on Monday as Victoria prepared for what could be the hottest conditions in history, with temperatures forecast to approach 50C in some areas. The Bureau of Meteorology warned that Tuesday could see heat records broken across Victoria and eastern South Australia, with Ouyen and Mildura in north-west Victoria predicted to reach 49C. If reached, that would surpass the state's all-time record of 48.8C set at Hopetoun on Black Saturday in 2009.
Melbourne was forecast to hit 45C, nearing its all-time record of 46.4C, also set on Black Saturday. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said numerous locations would likely approach or exceed January and annual records. On Monday, Adelaide reached 46C, its hottest day since the Black Summer fires, while Oodnadatta in the state's north hit 45.6C and Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula reached 49.1C by 2pm local time. Overnight temperatures in Adelaide were expected to remain in the mid-30s.
The severe-to-extreme heat is expected to persist into next weekend across inland areas of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s and overnight lows in the high 20s to low 30s. Victoria's chief health officer, Dr Caroline McElnay, warned of increased risk of heat-related illness, urging people to stay cool, hydrated and indoors. She advised calling Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone shows signs of heatstroke.
Total fire bans were in place for South Australia's west coast and New South Wales' central ranges on Monday, with a statewide total fire ban in Victoria on Tuesday. Fires continue to burn out of control, including in the Otways, where a fire jumped containment lines at Carlisle River on Saturday, threatening the community of Gellibrand. Residents from more than 1,100 properties in the Greater Otways area were urged to evacuate before sunset on Monday, with police and the State Emergency Service door-knocking homes.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan described the situation as a heat emergency in addition to a fire emergency, noting that residents in the state's north could see eight days above 40C. The energy market operator said the power grid was prepared for increased demand. Australia experienced its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures up 1.23C nationally, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
