Australia is facing widespread extreme heat as heatwaves grip most parts of the country, prompting urgent warnings from authorities over a heightened risk of catastrophic bushfires.
Severe to extreme heatwave conditions have been declared across every Australian state and territory except Queensland, with dangerously high temperatures forecast to persist for several days. Officials say the combination of intense heat, strong winds and dry conditions could lead to fast-moving and uncontrollable fires.
Victoria has announced a total fire ban for Friday after the state’s fire danger rating was raised to “catastrophic,” the highest possible level. As a precaution, around 450 schools and childcare centres will remain closed.
Fire crews have already been responding to multiple blazes. On Thursday, firefighters battled fires in both Victoria and New South Wales, with more than a dozen aircraft deployed to drop water on a major blaze near Wodonga.
The heat has broken records in several regions. Melbourne recorded its hottest day in six years on Wednesday, reaching 40.9°C, while some coastal towns in Western Australia saw temperatures soar to as high as 49°C.
Meteorologists say conditions are expected to worsen. In New South Wales, the heatwave is forecast to peak on Saturday, with Sydney expected to hit 42°C. Parts of South Australia and Western Australia are also likely to experience temperatures above 40°C in the coming days.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Friday will mark the peak of the current heatwave for large parts of the country, including South Australia, Victoria, most of New South Wales and sections of Tasmania. Strengthening winds, dry thunderstorms and lightning strikes without rain are expected to further elevate fire risks, particularly in northern Victoria.
Experts warn the situation could be the most dangerous Australia has faced since the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, which claimed dozens of lives and destroyed vast areas of land.
Emergency officials in Victoria cautioned that catastrophic fire conditions mean any fires that ignite could be unpredictable and impossible to control. Residents have been urged to activate their bushfire survival plans and leave early if they are in high-risk areas.
Australia’s fire danger rating system has four levels — low, high, extreme and catastrophic — with catastrophic indicating the most severe threat to life and property. A heatwave is officially declared when unusually high daytime and nighttime temperatures are forecast to last for three days or more.