Australians are being urged to heed fire warnings as temperatures soar across multiple states, bringing forecast conditions not seen since the Black Summer bushfires.
South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and NSW are set to swelter through oppressive temperatures into the weekend as a heatwave grips southeastern states, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
The conditions are set to be the worst since the 2019-20 summer bushfires that killed more than 30 people and burned through millions of hectares.
“That’s going to drive significant heat across those southern and southeastern states, with severe heatwaves building,” meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said.
SA and Victoria will be the first in line to experience the sweltering conditions on Wednesday.
Temperatures across all of SA are set to reach the low- to mid-40s, with Adelaide set for a maximum of 42C and some inland and southeastern parts pushing 47C.
“This is not just a normal burst of summer heat,” Ms Bradbury said.
“These are significantly dangerous conditions which are likely to impact even those who are young and fit as well as those who may be more vulnerable to the heat.”
The South Australian government has activated additional support for vulnerable and isolated residents, including the homeless, during the heatwave.
Victorians will steam in temperatures reaching the low- to mid-40s, with Melbourne reaching 42C and inland parts through to the north reaching 46C, as severe heatwaves build and extend statewide.
Total fire bans in place for the Wimmera, South West and Central regions, including Melbourne and Geelong for the first time this summer.
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch is warning of challenging extreme heatwave conditions “not seen since 2019/20”.
He said there is a very real risk of serious fires starting off the back of underlying dry conditions.
Country Fire Authority chief executive Jason Heffernan warned there aren’t many parts of the state immune to the fire conditions over the next 72 hours, after good rainfall led to prolific grass growth, adding to ground fuel.
“The fire seasons are starting earlier. They’re lasting longer, and we are seeing greater fire events occurring throughout that period,” he said.
It will also be a warm day for Tasmania with low to severe heatwaves building in the state’s northeast.
The heat is expected to move into the ACT and NSW heading into the weekend, with the capital expected to peak at 42C on Friday while Sydney reaches 39C on the final heatwave day on Saturday.
People are being urged to check in on vulnerable young and older people and those who are unwell, never leave children or pets alone in the car, keep cool and drink plenty of water and shelter in cool places during the hottest part of the day.
Australia experienced its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, while 2024 was the nation’s second-warmest year.
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