Australia Braces for “Extreme” Heatwave: Four States to Sizzle Under 45℃ Peaks

AUSTRALIA HEATWAVE 2026: Four states—WA, SA, VIC, and NSW—are bracing for temperatures up to 45°C-48°C next week.

A massive, slow-moving heat mass is set to descend upon the Australian continent this week, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issuing severe to extreme heatwave warnings for millions of residents.

Meteorologists are predicting that temperatures will soar into the mid-to-high 40s across four major states, challenging infrastructure and significantly elevating fire risks during the first full week of January 2026.

The heatwave, driven by a persistent upper-level ridge and a broad surface heat trough, will intensify over Western Australia this weekend before sweeping across southern and southeastern Australia.

The Forecast: Where the Mercury Will Peak

While almost every state and territory will feel the heat, the “core” of the extreme conditions will be felt in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.

• Western Australia (WA): The heat is already intensifying in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. By Monday, January 5, large areas of the state’s interior are expected to hit 44℃ to 46℃.
• South Australia (SA): The scorching air will move into SA by Tuesday. Inland pastoral regions are bracing for peaks of 48℃, while Adelaide is tipped to reach the low 40s.
• Victoria (Vic): Northern Victoria will be the hardest hit starting Wednesday. Mildura is currently forecast to hit 45℃ on Thursday, while Melbourne will see a run of days in the high 30s.
• New South Wales (NSW): The heat will peak mid-to-late week. While Sydney’s coast may stay in the 30s, western Sydney and regional centres like Broken Hill are expected to climb well above 42℃.

City Snapshot: Seven-Day Outlook

While the most dangerous heat remains inland, the capital cities will not escape the swelter.

Fire Danger and Health Warnings

Authorities are particularly concerned about Friday, January 9, which is shaping up to be a day of “Extreme Fire Danger” due to a combination of high temperatures and dry, gusty northerly winds.

Safety Advice from the Australian Red Cross:

1. Hydration: Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty; avoid caffeine and alcohol.
2. Peak Hours: Stay indoors between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
3. Check-ins: Monitor elderly neighbours, children, and pets. Never leave anyone in a parked car.
4. Cooling: If your home lacks air conditioning, seek out public “cool zones” like libraries or shopping centres.

“This isn’t just a typical summer day; the slow-moving nature of this ridge means the heat will be persistent, offering little relief overnight,” said a BoM spokesperson. “Minimum temperatures in many areas won’t drop below 25℃, which puts significant stress on the human body and the power grid.”