Australia Braces for Intense Heatwave with Temperatures Forecast to Reach 50°C
Parts of inland Australia are forecast to experience maximum temperatures hitting 50°C this week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The severe heatwave is expected to persist across multiple states, raising concerns about record-breaking conditions and increased fire risks.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected in Victoria and South Australia
Tuesday could see heat records broken throughout eastern South Australia and Victoria, with maximums expected to be near 50°C across inland areas. Temperatures in Ouyen and Mildura in north-west Victoria were forecast to reach 49°C on 27 January. If reached, this would exceed the state's all-time top recorded temperature of 48.8°C at Hopetoun during Black Saturday in 2009.
Maximum temperatures of 44°C were forecast for Melbourne, nearing the city's all-time record of 46.4°C. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore stated, "We'll likely see numerous locations approach or exceed January, and some annual records tomorrow."
Prolonged Heatwave Conditions Across Multiple States
For inland areas across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, the severe-to-extreme heat with temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s was expected to persist into next weekend. Narramore added, "We're looking at a week of temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s and overnight lows in the high 20s to low 30s," noting that such a prolonged run was unusual.
On Monday, 46°C was forecast for Adelaide in what was likely to be the city's hottest day since Black Summer. The city reached 34°C by mid-morning, while Oodnadatta in South Australia's north had already hit 41.5°C by 10:20am.
Fire Bans and Safety Warnings Issued
Total fire bans were in place for South Australia's west coast and New South Wales central ranges as fires continued to burn out of control across parts of Victoria. This included fires in the Otways where a blaze jumped containment lines at Carlisle River on Saturday, threatening the small community of Gellibrand.
Life Saving Victoria urged people to stay safe in the water, noting that the risk of drowning doubles on public holidays. The public was encouraged to:
- Swim at patrolled locations
- Supervise children at all times
- Check conditions before entering the water
Authorities advised residents to "Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay indoors, stay out of the sun" during the extreme conditions.
Climate Context and Long-Term Forecast
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 and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and bushfires.
Fires were still burning in many parts of Victoria after an intense heatwave earlier in January, which analysts said was made five times more likely due to global heating. Hotter-than-average days and nights were expected to continue until April for much of the country, according to the latest long-range forecast.
More records could be broken on Wednesday as the heat moves into inland and western New South Wales and north-east Victoria, with widespread temperatures in the high 40s expected. Sea surface temperatures would remain warmer than average globally, including around Australia, contributing to the prolonged heat conditions.