UPDATE: Australia faces an urgent heatwave, with temperatures soaring across multiple states, raising significant fire risks. Authorities are warning residents to heed fire alerts as conditions mirror those preceding the devastating Black Summer bushfires.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirms that southeastern states, including South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, and NSW, will endure extreme heat through the weekend. This weather pattern is projected to be the worst since the catastrophic 2019-20 bushfire season, which claimed over 30 lives and devastated millions of hectares.
South Australia will be the first to feel the brunt of the heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach a staggering 47C in some inland areas on January 10, 2025. Adelaide will peak at 42C, prompting urgent warnings from meteorologist Miriam Bradbury, who stated, “This is not just a normal burst of summer heat; these are significantly dangerous conditions.”
The South Australian government is activating additional support for vulnerable populations, including the homeless, as these extreme temperatures pose serious risks to health, impacting even the young and fit.
Victoria is also bracing for high temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of 46C in northern regions and 42C in Melbourne. Total fire bans are now in effect across the Wimmera, South West, and Central regions, marking a concerning escalation in fire risk for the state this summer. Tim Wiebusch, Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner, emphasized the potential for serious fires due to dry conditions, stating, “We are seeing greater fire events occurring throughout that period.”
As the heatwave progresses, Tasmania will also experience elevated temperatures, particularly in the northeast. The heat is expected to spread to the ACT and NSW by the weekend, with Canberra projected to hit 42C on Friday and Sydney reaching 39C on Saturday, January 13.
Jason Heffernan, CEO of the Country Fire Authority, warns that few areas in Victoria will be immune to these fire conditions over the next 72 hours. The recent rainfall has led to increased grass growth, significantly adding to ground fuel, heightening fire risks across the region.
Officials urge the public to take precautions: check in on vulnerable individuals, never leave children or pets in cars, stay hydrated, and seek shelter during peak heat hours. Such measures are crucial as Australia faces one of its hottest summers on record, following the nation’s fourth-warmest year in 2025.
This developing situation calls for immediate attention as firefighters and emergency services prepare for a challenging weekend ahead. Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve.
