Intense heat across south-east Australia could shatter temperature records in coming days | Australia weather

Intense heat across south-east Australia could shatter temperature records in coming days | Australia weather

January 23, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

A significant heatwave is forecast to grip southeastern Australia over the coming days, threatening to break all-time temperature records across multiple states. The intense heat is also elevating fire danger to catastrophic levels in some areas.

Widespread Heat Expected

Beginning Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts a prolonged period of intense heat will impact South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and southern Queensland. Some inland regions could experience temperatures exceeding 40C for more than five consecutive days.

Fire Danger Escalates

Senior meteorologist Jonathan How described the impending heat as “challenging for everyone,” urging residents to stay cool and remain informed about heat and fire warnings. Catastrophic fire danger is forecast for the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia on Saturday, with high to extreme fire danger expected across several southern states.

Did You Know? Australia experienced its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures 1.23C above normal nationally.

Fires continue to burn in parts of Victoria following an earlier January heatwave, an event analysts determined was five times more likely due to global heating. While damaging winds are not currently anticipated, the heat is already rising, with Oodnadatta reaching 34.7C by 10am Friday.

Record Temperatures Possible

Temperatures are expected to soar into the high 40s, potentially challenging existing records. Adelaide is forecast to reach 42C on Saturday, coinciding with a demanding stage of the Tour Down Under at Willunga Hill. In Victoria, some Mallee centers could approach 49C on Tuesday, nearing the state’s record of 48.8C set in Hopetoun in 2009. Mildura is expected to climb from 43C on Saturday to 48C by Tuesday.

Melbourne, currently hosting the Australian Open, is predicted to reach 40C on Saturday, with a secondary peak of 42C on Tuesday. New South Wales is bracing for heat spikes on Sunday and midweek, particularly in the Riverina, central west, and north. Bourke could reach 49C on Wednesday, approaching the state’s all-time record of 50.1C set in Wilcannia in 1939.

Expert Insight: The forecast indicates a substantial and widespread heat event, posing significant risks to public health and infrastructure. The potential for record-breaking temperatures underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

In Queensland, Thargomindah could see temperatures of 48C on Wednesday and Thursday. Western Australia continues to face heat and fire warnings, and a tropical low 660km north-west of Broome is expected to intensify into a category two cyclone named Luana as it approaches the Kimberley coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are most at risk?

South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and southern Queensland are expected to experience the most intense heat. The Yorke Peninsula in South Australia faces catastrophic fire danger, and inland areas across these states could see temperatures above 40C for multiple days.

Are winds expected to exacerbate the fire risk?

According to senior meteorologist Jonathan How, winds are not currently expected to be as gusty or damaging as during previous heatwaves, but fire danger remains extremely high.

What is the long-term outlook for temperatures?

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.

How will communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of this extreme heat?