Heatwave scorches South Australia as Victoria faces possible record highs and evacuations

A severe heatwave hit South Australia on Monday as Victoria prepared for potentially record-breaking temperatures and more than 1,100 residents were told to get ready to evacuate ahead of extreme fire danger. The Bureau of Meteorology warned Tuesday could see heat records broken across Victoria and eastern South Australia, with maximums near 50C across inland areas.

Ouyen and Mildura in north‑west Victoria were forecast to reach 49C, which the bureau said would exceed Victoria’s all‑time record of 48.8C at Hopetoun in 2009 if reached. Melbourne was forecast to hit 45C, and by midday Adelaide had reached 42C while Oodnadatta was 45.6C and Ceduna 49.1C at 2pm local time.

Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said: “We’ll likely see numerous locations approach or exceed January, and some annual records tomorrow,” and warned the severe‑to‑extreme heat could persist into next weekend. Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Caroline McElnay, said prolonged heat and high overnight temperatures increased the risk of heat‑related illness and listed symptoms to watch for, urging people to call Triple Zero (000) for signs of heatstroke.

Life Saving Victoria also urged caution in the water. Total fire bans were in place in parts of South Australia, New South Wales and a statewide ban across Victoria on Tuesday, as fires continued to burn out of control, including in the Otways where a blaze jumped containment lines and threatened Gellibrand.

Key Topics

World, Heatwave, Victoria, South Australia, Gellibrand, Country Fire Authority