A dangerous and severe heatwave is gripping southern Australia, pushing temperatures into the mid-40s Celsius and creating extreme fire conditions across large parts of South Australia and Victoria.
Sweltering Temperatures and Extreme Fire Danger
By mid-morning on Wednesday, the mercury had already soared to 35C in Melbourne and 38C in Adelaide. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the heat to intensify, with many areas expecting temperatures in the low-to-mid 40s. Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury described "sweltering conditions", with Adelaide and Melbourne peaking at 42C on Wednesday. Some locations faced even fiercer heat: Elizabeth in Adelaide's north was headed for 44C, Murray Bridge for 46C, and Port Augusta could reach 45C, with 47C predicted for Thursday.
Bradbury emphasised this was not typical summer weather, stating, "It's not just a normal burst of summer heat. These are really dangerous conditions." The threat is compounded by northerly winds and the potential for isolated, dry thunderstorms, which Bradbury said "obviously rings warning bells" for emergency services.
Landscape 'Ready to Burn' as Firefighters Brace for Challenge
Fire authorities have issued stark warnings, with virtually all of South Australia under extreme fire danger ratings. Commander Ann Buesnel of the SA Country Fire Service told the ABC the landscape was "really dry" after a lack of significant rain. "Everything is essentially ready to burn," she said, while confirming crews and additional aircraft were prepared.
In Victoria, extreme fire danger was forecast for western and central areas on Wednesday, with a total fire ban in place for the Wimmera, south-west, and central districts, including Melbourne and Geelong. The state's Country Fire Authority chief officer, Jason Heffernan, said the hot, dry conditions over the coming days would be extremely challenging for firefighters. He warned that conditions would make suppression difficult and that high fuel loads posed a serious grassfire risk, urging people to have their bushfire plans ready.
Health Warnings and Widespread Heatwave Impact
The intense heat is widespread, with severe to extreme intensity heatwaves stretching from north-west to south-east Australia, affecting Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT, and Tasmania. The heat is persistent, with hot days and very warm nights offering little relief.
Health experts have warned the conditions are dangerous for everyone. Bradbury noted the risk extends beyond the vulnerable to "those who are young and healthy as well." The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Michael Wright, advised people to stay hydrated, stay indoors during peak UV hours (11am-3pm), and to check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours.
Other capitals are also heating up, with Sydney and Canberra expecting higher temperatures from Thursday, and Hobart facing well-above-average maxima. Communities are being urged to enact bushfire plans, stay informed, and avoid taking any risks during this severe weather event.
