Large parts of South Australia and Victoria are bracing for extreme fire conditions as a dangerous heatwave moves eastward, pushing daytime temperatures well into the 40s. Authorities have warned residents to remain vigilant and enact their bushfire plans, as this heatwave is being described as the most severe since the 2019-20 “Black Summer.”
By early Wednesday afternoon, temperatures had already surged, hitting 42°C in Adelaide and 39°C in Melbourne. Across the continent, severe to extreme heat extended from Western Australia through South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania, creating widespread concerns for public safety.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), many areas are expected to experience temperatures in the low to mid-40s. Elizabeth, in northern Adelaide, reached a sweltering 44°C shortly after midday, with the hottest part of the day forecast for around 2–3 p.m. Temperatures are expected to remain close to their daily maximum into the evening.
“It’s not just a normal burst of summer heat. These are really dangerous conditions,” senior BoM meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said. She highlighted that communities should prepare for both the heat and the increased risk of bushfires.
Several towns in South Australia are experiencing record highs. Murray Bridge in the Murraylands region is forecast to reach 46°C on Wednesday, while Port Augusta, 300 km north of Adelaide, could hit 45°C, climbing to 47°C on Thursday. Ceduna, on the western edge of the Eyre Peninsula, had already reached 45.2°C just after midday. Roseworthy, about 50 km north of Adelaide, recorded 44°C, and the NSW Riverina town of Hay hit 43.2°C at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, in Victoria, Hopetoun and Walpeup registered 42.5°C around midday.
Strong northerly winds moving through southeastern Australia are expected to exacerbate fire risks, particularly in South Australia and Victoria. In Victoria, authorities issued urgent warnings for residents in Bungil, Granya, and Thologolong in the state’s northeast to “leave immediately” due to an uncontrolled bushfire traveling south from Mt Lawson State Park.
“For South Australia today, pretty much the entire state is sitting at extreme fire danger ratings, with the exception of the northern pastoral districts,” Bradbury said. She added that the potential for isolated, dry thunderstorms could further increase fire threats, a concern that has already prompted emergency services to prepare for rapid response scenarios.
Commander Ann Buesnel of the South Australian Country Fire Service emphasized the readiness of crews and volunteers. “We haven’t had significant rain. Everything is essentially ready to burn. Our crews are prepared, additional aircraft are on standby, and we’ve done everything we can. Now we’re relying on the community to do their part,” she said. Residents have been urged to stay informed, avoid unnecessary risks, and follow their bushfire action plans.
Victoria is also on high alert. Extreme fire danger is forecast for western and central areas on Wednesday, with extreme ratings spreading across most districts by Friday. A total fire ban is currently in place for the Wimmera, southwest, and central districts, including Melbourne and Geelong.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan warned that the next three days of hot, dry conditions would be extremely challenging for firefighters and residents alike. “These conditions make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start. With landscapes drying out and high fuel loads, the grassfire risk is significant. People should be ready to leave early and follow strict fire safety measures,” he said. Residents have been advised to postpone high-risk activities such as harvesting and cropping until conditions improve.
Further east, Sydney is forecast to reach a maximum of 31°C and Canberra 35°C from Thursday, while Hobart is expected to experience above-average temperatures of 28°C. The BoM noted that hot daytime temperatures combined with very warm nights would give little respite over the coming days.
Bradbury warned that the extreme heat poses risks not only to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions, but also to healthy adults. “These are really dangerous conditions, and everyone should take precautions,” she said.
The Royal Australian College of GPs echoed the warning, advising residents to stay hydrated, remain indoors during peak sun hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and regularly check on vulnerable friends and family. College president Dr. Michael Wright emphasized that complacency could have serious consequences during prolonged heatwaves.
This latest heatwave follows a year in which Australia recorded its fourth-warmest annual temperatures on record, with national averages 1.23°C above normal, according to the BoM. Climate scientists have linked rising global temperatures to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and bushfires, raising concerns about the country’s preparedness for future climate-driven emergencies.
As South Australia and Victoria endure what is shaping up to be a historic heatwave, emergency services, meteorologists, and health officials are urging Australians to prioritize safety, stay alert, and follow all fire and heatwave precautions. The coming days are expected to test the resilience of communities and the capacity of emergency responders as temperatures continue to soar.
