Severe heatwave envelops South Australia as Victoria braces for record-breaking weather and fire threats | Australia weather

South Australia faced scorching heat again on Monday as Victorians braced for what are predicted to be the hottest conditions on record and more than 1,100 residents were told to be ready to evacuate ahead of extreme fire danger.

Tuesday could see temperature records broken in eastern South Australia and Victoria, according to the Bureau of Meteorology; Maximum temperatures in the interior are expected to be close to 50C.

Temperatures at Ouyen and Mildura in north-west Victoria were forecast to reach 49°C on 27 January; If that temperature were reached, it would exceed the state’s all-time highest recorded temperature of 48.8°C on Black Saturday 2009 at Hopetoun.

Maximum temperatures for Melbourne were forecast at 44°C, again close to the city’s all-time record of 46.4°C on Black Saturday.

“We’ll probably see a number of locations approaching or exceeding January and some annual records tomorrow,” senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said.

Highs of 46 degrees were forecast for Adelaide on Monday, which was likely to be the city’s hottest day since the black summer. By noon the temperature in the city had reached 42C and was still rising; It was 45.6C at Oodnadatta in the state’s north and Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula was 49.1 at 2pm local time.

Overnight temperatures across Adelaide will remain in the mid-30s.

Severe and extreme temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s were expected to continue into next weekend across inland areas in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.

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“We are seeing temperatures in the mid to high 40s throughout the week and lows in the 20s to low 30s overnight,” Narramore said, adding that such a long run is unusual.

“Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay inside, stay out of the sun.”

Life Saving Victoria has appealed to anyone going to the beach or pool to stay safe in the water as the risk of drowning doubles on bank holidays. The public is encouraged to swim in patrolled areas, supervise children at all times, and check conditions before entering the water.

More records could be broken on Wednesday as heat moves inland into western New South Wales and north-eastern Victoria, with widespread temperatures in the upper 40s.

A total fire ban was imposed for the west coast of South Australia and central parts of New South Wales on Monday, and for the majority of areas in southern SA on Tuesday.

As fires continue to burn out of control, a statewide fire ban will be imposed across Victoria on Tuesday, including in the Otways, where a Carlisle River fire on Saturday broke containment lines, threatening the small community of Gellibrand.

According to the State Control Center (SCC), residents of Gellibrand, Kawarren, Beech Forest, Forrest, Barongarook and surrounding areas are being asked to prepare to evacuate on Monday; Police and the State Emergency Service were knocking on doors to warn of the potential fire threat.

“Residents of more than 1,100 properties in the Great Otways region are being asked to evacuate before sunset today,” the SCC said in a statement.

The Country Fire Authority said the conditions would significantly increase the likelihood of a fire spreading, which could pose a serious threat to homes, property and lives.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the heat would be challenging for firefighters and communities. He said those living in the state’s north could see eight days of temperatures above 40C.

“A heat emergency continues in Victoria as well as a fire emergency,” Heffernan said.

“It will be extremely hot, especially in the north and east, and there will be little or no nighttime relief. Make sure you stay hydrated and check on your vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.”

Six major fires are still burning in parts of Victoria following an intense heatwave in early January, which analysts say is five times more likely due to global warming.

Australia’s energy market operator said the electricity grid was preparing for increased demand due to the heat.

Australia had its fourth warmest year on record in 2025, with the average temperature across the country rising by 1.23°C, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The climate crisis has increased the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heat waves and wildfires.

Warmer than average days and nights were expected to continue through April across much of the country, according to the latest long-range forecast. Sea surface temperatures will remain above the global average, including around Australia.