HEATWAVE

Heatwave Sets New Temperature Records

The Australian Open is getting a cooler start today after parts of Melbourne endured searing 45°C heat yesterday, as a heatwave set historic temperature records across south-eastern Australia. However, for inland regions, the worst is far from over — in some areas, conditions are intensifying.

Parts of western New South Wales and Queensland are forecast to approach 50°C today, potentially breaking not only January records but all-time local temperature highs. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has described the event as a "historic and record-breaking" heatwave, with extreme temperatures expected to persist across inland areas through to the weekend.

"The heat is widespread, with large areas exceeding 40°C, but the most extreme temperatures — 48°C and above — are shifting day by day," said BOM meteorologist Jonathan How. "On Tuesday, the hottest conditions were in northern Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. Today, they're forecast for northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, before shifting back into South Australia later in the week."

By Saturday, cities such as Wagga Wagga and Albury are expected to record seven consecutive days at or above 40°C — a first since 1939. Fire danger remains high to extreme across parts of South Australia and Victoria today, and into New South Wales tomorrow.