Sizzling temperatures across southeast Australia could break records in the coming days, as a heat dome pushes into the region, bringing extreme fire conditions. Starting from Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts a prolonged heatwave across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and southern Queensland, with some inland areas enduring over five days above 40 degrees Celsius. Senior meteorologist Jonathan How warns that the heat will be "challenging for everyone," urging residents to stay informed about heat and fire warnings. High to extreme fire danger is expected across several southern states, with the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia facing catastrophic fire conditions on Saturday. The climate crisis has made heatwaves more frequent and severe, as evidenced by the recent intense heatwave in Victoria, which analysts attribute to global heating. Despite no significant rainfall forecast, winds are not expected to be as damaging during this heatwave. Temperatures could soar into the high 40s, challenging all-time records in some states. The heat is already intense in South Australia, with Oodnadatta reaching 34.7 degrees Celsius at 10 am on Friday. Adelaide is predicted to hit 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while riders in the Tour Down Under face a challenging stage at Willunga Hill. In Victoria, some Mallee centers may approach 49 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, breaking the state's record. Melbourne, hosting the Australian Open, will see temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius on Saturday, followed by a peak of 42 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. New South Wales is expected to experience a heat spike on Sunday and midweek, with the Riverina, central west, and north bearing the brunt. Bourke is forecast to reach 49 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, approaching the state's all-time record. Thargomindah, in southwest Queensland, could hit 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday. Western Australia remains under heat and fire warnings, with a tropical low near Broome intensifying into a category two cyclone named Luana as it approaches the Kimberley coast. Australia's 2025 climate was the fourth-warmest on record, with average temperatures up 1.23 degrees Celsius nationally, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The climate crisis has increased the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and bushfires, which are expected to persist until April.
