Heatwave and Fire Warnings as Parts of Victoria Expected to Approach 'All-Time Maximum Record' Temperatures
Residents across three Australian states are being urged to prepare for an intense and prolonged heatwave, with authorities issuing severe warnings about approaching record temperatures and extreme fire dangers. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast at least five consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for inland areas of South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
'Dome of Heat' Phenomenon Moves Eastwards
Senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn from the Bureau of Meteorology has described the weather pattern as a "dome of heat" that originated in Western Australia, where it caused record-breaking temperatures, before moving eastwards across the continent. This meteorological phenomenon is creating conditions for what could become historic temperature records in several regions.
"Many centres are probably going to approach their all time maximum records. This is quite a significant day on Tuesday," Parkyn warned, highlighting the severity of the approaching heatwave.
Temperature Forecasts Across Affected States
The heatwave began on Saturday, with Adelaide expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius while Port Augusta, located 300 kilometres north of the city, was forecast to hit a scorching 46 degrees. In Victoria, Melbourne was predicted to reach 40 degrees before experiencing temporary relief through a south-westerly wind change, though temperatures are expected to climb again to 41 degrees by Tuesday.
Northern Victoria faces even more extreme conditions, with Ouyen near Mildura forecast to reach 48 degrees Celsius. Parkyn noted that inland areas, particularly along the Murray River, could experience "four, five, six, seven days of 40+ degree temperatures" with no meaningful rainfall predicted for the next fortnight.
Fire Danger Reaches Critical Levels
Extreme fire danger has been predicted for multiple regions, with catastrophic conditions forecast for South Australia's Yorke Peninsula. In Victoria, seven major active fires continue to burn, including uncontrolled blazes at Walwa, Wonnangatta Complex (Dargo) and Mallacoota that may persist for days or weeks.
Jason Heffernan, chief officer of the Country Fire Authority, emphasised that even without high winds, "the sheer heat and the topography of the landscape" could cause existing fires to "spread rather rapidly," resulting in "quite volatile fire behaviour." The Longwood fire in central Victoria, now contained, has already destroyed 320 homes and burnt through 144,000 hectares since it began on 9 January.
Records Already Broken in Western Australia
The heatwave has already established new temperature records in Western Australia, where widespread temperatures in the high 40s were recorded from Kalbarri to Carnarvon. Popular holiday destination Shark Bay reached 49.2 degrees Celsius, setting a new January record for the site, while Gascoyne Junction recorded 48.9 degrees, the second highest January temperature for that station.
Carnarvon airport, with temperature observations dating back to 1883, set a new record when temperatures hit 47.9 degrees on Tuesday. Further temperature peaks are expected in Victoria on Tuesday, with Mildura airport forecast for 47 degrees, which would break the current January record of 46.9 degrees if reached.
Broader Climate Context
This heatwave occurs within a broader pattern of warming across Australia, which experienced its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures increasing by 1.23 degrees Celsius nationally. The climate crisis has been scientifically linked to increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and bushfires.
The Bureau of Meteorology's latest long-range forecast indicates that hotter than average days and nights are expected to continue until April for much of the country, with sea surface temperatures remaining warmer than average globally, including around Australia's coastline.
As the heatwave continues to develop, authorities are urging residents across affected states to take necessary precautions, stay informed about fire danger ratings, and prepare for potentially record-breaking temperatures in the coming days.
