UPDATE: Australia is grappling with emergency-level bushfires as the country endures its most intense heatwave in years. On the first day of this severe weather event, soaring temperatures have triggered uncontrolled blazes in South Australia, Victoria, and parts of Tasmania, with the Bureau of Meteorology reporting extreme conditions reminiscent of the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season.
Residents in Victoria are facing oppressive heat, with inland areas reaching a staggering 45°C and Melbourne surpassing 40°C. Near Mount Lawson, emergency-level fires are raging, prompting authorities to issue immediate evacuation orders. Over 1,000 hectares have already burned, and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming days.
Another significant fire is out of control at Longwood, along the Hume Freeway, where residents are advised to shelter in place as it is now too dangerous to leave. Thankfully, no injuries or structural damage have been reported so far, but Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch warns of potential losses as conditions deteriorate.
Total fire bans are in effect for the Wimmera, South West, and Central regions, including Melbourne and Geelong. “Victoria is one of the most fire-prone states in the world,” Wiebusch stated. “Friday will bring conditions we’ve not seen for some time, and the fire danger will be extreme.”
While southern parts of Victoria may experience slight relief on Thursday, extreme fire risks persist in the north. The Country Fire Authority‘s chief executive Jason Heffernan confirmed that fire suppression efforts will be nearly impossible on Friday due to the anticipated extreme conditions. “These are the days where we see lots of assets lost,” said Chris Hardman, chief fire officer for Forest Fire Management Victoria.
Conditions are equally dire in South Australia, where temperatures soared to 42°C in Adelaide and even reached 47°C in some inland areas. Meteorologist Helen Reid emphasized that extreme heatwaves will impact all Australians, including those generally considered healthy.
The heat is expected to spread into the ACT and NSW leading into the weekend, with the capital forecasted to peak at 38°C on Friday and Sydney reaching a blistering 42°C on Saturday.
The Royal Australian College of GPs is urgently advising the public to stay hydrated, remain indoors, and check on those vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The Royal Automobile Association reported a shocking 26% increase in call-outs for family members locked inside vehicles, highlighting the dangers of leaving children and pets unattended.
Australia has experienced its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, with 2024 marking the second-warmest. As the nation braces for the coming days, authorities stress the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of this escalating crisis.
Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve.
