Australia is enduring its first major heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach 47°C across northern South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, and relief not expected until the weekend.
Coastal areas may see a slight drop on Thursday, but highs are set to rise again on Friday.
In South Australia, Port Augusta could hit 47°C on Thursday, while Adelaide is forecast for 39°C. Northern areas face gusty winds and potential dry thunderstorms.
Victoria’s north is expected to reach 44–46°C, with Melbourne seeing a temporary reprieve at 30°C on Thursday before climbing back to 41°C on Friday.
NSW inland areas will hit low 40s, with Sydney peaking at 42°C on Saturday. Tasmania’s north will stay in the 30s, and Western Australia’s heatwave is moving north toward the Kimberley.
The extreme heat coincides with severe fire risks. Victoria is battling multiple out-of-control bushfires, including the Longwood and Walwa fires, prompting evacuation warnings.
“These are the worst conditions a fire can burn in,” Country Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan said, warning residents to leave bushland areas.
Three Victorian districts, Wimmera, Northern Country, and North Central, are rated “catastrophic” for fire danger on Friday, with the rest of the state at “extreme.”
South Australia also faces extreme fire warnings and total fire bans for 12 districts.
Authorities stressed that heatwaves pose serious health risks, even for healthy individuals. The National Emergency Management Agency noted unusually warm nights, up to 14°C above average, will add strain on the population.
Advice includes staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat, and using cooling options like community centres or libraries.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned that dry thunderstorms, gusty winds, and record-high temperatures could spark new fires across Victoria, NSW, and South Australia. Residents were urged to prepare early for bushfire season and heed evacuation orders.
