Dangerous heatwave pushes temperatures into 40s and raises fire risk in south-east Australia

A dangerous heatwave moved east across South Australia and Victoria on Wednesday, pushing temperatures well into the 40s and leaving large parts of both states expecting extreme fire conditions. By early afternoon the mercury had hit 39C in Melbourne and 42C in Adelaide. The Bureau of Meteorology said severe to extreme intensity heatwaves stretched from the north‑west to the south‑east and that many areas were expected to see low to mid‑40s, calling it the most significant heatwave since the 2019–20 black summer.

Elizabeth in Adelaide’s north had reached 44C, Murray Bridge was headed for 46C, Port Augusta could reach 45C and 47C on Thursday, Ceduna recorded 45.2C, Roseworthy 44C, Hay 43.2C, and Hopetoun and Walpeup 42.5C. Miriam Bradbury warned: "It's not just a normal burst of summer heat.

These are really dangerous conditions," and said the hottest part of the day was expected about 2pm or 3pm with temperatures remaining close to their maximum into the evening. Fire authorities urged preparedness and took extra precautions. Commander Ann Buesnel of South Australia’s Country Fire Service said the landscape was "really dry" and "everything is essentially ready to burn," and said crews and additional aircraft were ready.

In Victoria residents in Bungil, Granya and Thologolong were told to "leave immediately" because of a bushfire travelling south from Mt Lawson State Park that was not yet under control.

Key Topics

World, Heatwave, South Australia, Victoria, Country Fire Service, Adelaide