A severe and widespread heatwave, described as the most intense to hit Australia in six years, has triggered official warnings and prompted construction unions to enact extreme heat work stoppage protocols. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued heatwave alerts for seven states and territories as temperatures soared into the high 40s Celsius.
Nationwide Heatwave and Union Directive
The blistering conditions have descended heavily on the country's southeast, with South Australia enduring scorching temperatures that could peak in the high-40s Celsius on Thursday. In Western Australia, the town of Exmouth reached a searing 47.1°C on Wednesday. Following advice issued in December, the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has confirmed its members are within their rights to stop work when the temperature hits 35°C.
The union's directive states: 'Once the temperature reaches 35 degrees or a humidity level above 75 per cent, there will be an orderly cessation of work.' For conditions below that threshold, workers must be relocated out of direct sunlight if there is a serious health risk. The CFMEU mandates that employers provide essential items including:
- Sunscreen and cool, clear drinking water
- Air-conditioned site sheds
- Hard hat brims and sunglasses where required
Catastrophic Fire Danger and Bushfire Threats
Concurrently, the extreme heat has escalated the bushfire risk to dangerous levels. In Victoria, two emergency warnings were active, including for a blaze at Longwood where residents were told to leave immediately. Another fire has burned over 1,000 hectares at Mount Lawson on the Victoria-New South Wales border.
David Nugent, a State Control Centre spokesman, warned that Friday would bring catastrophic fire danger ratings to the Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central districts. 'Catastrophic fire danger rating is the most dangerous set of conditions for us for firefighting,' he said. 'If a fire starts and takes hold, lives and homes are likely to be lost.' The risk is compounded by dry vegetation, winds, and the threat of dry thunderstorms.
In a reckless act amid the crisis, thieves in Koonoomoo, Victoria, stole a solar battery from a CFA fire danger sign, causing an estimated $60,000 in damage. Detective Acting Sergeant Leah Booth condemned the act as 'completely reckless and dangerous.'
Health Warnings and Forecast Continuation
The heat is now moving into the ACT and New South Wales, with Canberra forecast to peak at 38°C on Thursday and Friday. Sydney is bracing for a 42°C peak on Saturday. Authorities have warned people with asthma or respiratory conditions to avoid outdoor exercise due to expected poor air quality, particularly in Sydney's southwest and northwest.
The Bureau of Meteorology's Miriam Bradbury confirmed severe and extreme heatwaves are taking hold in NSW's southeast, eastern, and inland districts. Meanwhile, northern Tasmania faced a severe heatwave, with Launceston hitting 30°C on Wednesday. The intense conditions follow a trend, with last year ranking as Australia's fourth-warmest year on record.
Forest Fire Management Victoria's chief fire officer, Chris Hardman, emphasised the critical need for aggressive initial attacks on any new fires. 'If we can't catch those fires when they're small... then those fires are going to get big and have dreadful impacts on the community,' he stated.
