Why is there a heatwave in Australia?
As of January 7, 2026, Australia is experiencing a widespread and severe heatwave caused by a very hot and dry air mass moving from the country’s northwest into southern and eastern regions.
This air mass is being driven by persistent northwesterly winds and reinforced by a slow-moving high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea, which is preventing cooler air from entering affected areas (1).
An upper-level high-pressure system has also formed over southern Australia, forcing air downward and compressing it near the surface, which further increases temperatures. Clear skies across much of the continent have allowed intense solar heating during the day and limited cooling overnight. These conditions are occurring during one of Australia’s warmest summers on record, increasing the severity of the heatwave (2).
The heatwave is affecting large parts of the country, including Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania. Major population centers such as Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney’s western suburbs, and inland regions like the Mallee, Murraylands, and Riverina are experiencing extreme temperatures (3).
How long will the heatwave last?
The heatwave began intensifying across southern Australia on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, with many regions recording their hottest temperatures in six to seven years (4).
Extreme heat is expected to persist through Friday, January 9, with multiple inland areas experiencing consecutive days above 40° C. A strong cool change associated with a cold front is forecast to reach South Australia and Victoria late Friday into Saturday, January 10, bringing significant temperature relief to those regions.
Heat is expected to linger longer in parts of eastern New South Wales, including western Sydney, where peak temperatures may continue into Saturday before easing later in the weekend. Overall, the heatwave is expected to last four to five days across most of Australia, depending on location (5).
Are there any alerts in place?
Authorities across Australia have issued severe to extreme heatwave warnings and elevated fire danger alerts due to the combination of extreme temperatures, prolonged dry conditions, and strong winds.
Total fire bans are in effect across many fire districts, particularly in South Australia and Victoria.
Several heat-driven bushfires have triggered emergency warnings and evacuation orders. Communities in northeast Victoria, including Bungil, Granya, Thologolong, Longwood, and Avenel near Mt Lawson State Park, have been urged to leave immediately as fires remain fast-moving and difficult to control. Emergency warnings have also been issued in parts of New South Wales and areas east of Perth.
To reduce health risks, authorities have opened public cooling centers and extended operating hours at libraries, community centers, and shopping centers.
Residents and visitors are advised to closely monitor official emergency updates, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and follow evacuation instructions where issued, as fire behavior under current conditions may be rapid and unpredictable (6).
