Victoria is preparing for what could be the hottest day in its history, with temperatures forecast to reach 49°C in Ouyen and Mildura on Tuesday. If confirmed, this would surpass the state's all-time record of 48.8°C set at Hopetoun on Black Saturday in 2009. Melbourne is expected to hit 45°C, approaching its record of 46.4°C.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that numerous locations may break January and annual records. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said, 'We'll likely see numerous locations approach or exceed January, and some annual records tomorrow.' The extreme heat is expected to persist into next weekend, with inland areas across Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales experiencing mid-to-high 40s during the day and high 20s to low 30s overnight.
South Australia also faced severe heat on Monday, with Adelaide reaching 46°C, its hottest day since Black Summer. Oodnadatta hit 45.6°C, and Ceduna recorded 49.1°C. Overnight temperatures in Adelaide remained in the mid-30s.
Victoria's Chief Health Officer, Dr Caroline McElnay, warned of increased risk of heat-related illness due to prolonged heat and high overnight temperatures. 'Heat-related illness can come on quickly, so it's important to know the warning signs,' she said, listing symptoms such as heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. She urged immediate calls to Triple Zero (000) if signs of heatstroke appear.
A statewide total fire ban is in place across Victoria on Tuesday, with fires continuing to burn out of control, including in the Otways. Residents from over 1,100 properties in the Greater Otways area have been urged to evacuate before sunset on Monday. The Country Fire Authority's chief officer, Jason Heffernan, said, 'There's a heat emergency going on, in addition to a fire emergency across the state of Victoria.'
Australia experienced its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures up 1.23°C nationally, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The climate crisis has increased the frequency of such extreme weather events.
