Australia Heatwave: 45°C Forecast for Four States Next Week

Australia braces for extreme heat next week, with forecast models pointing to temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 40s across inland parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

Weather analysts say an extremely hot air mass will spread across the country as a slow-moving upper-level pattern allows heat to build and persist for several days. Forecast guidance suggests 45–46°C is possible in parts of WA, SA, Vic and NSW, with isolated spots potentially nearing 48°C.

The setup is being driven by a slow-moving upper-level ridge that helps a broad surface “heat trough” develop. The result: heat intensifies first in the west, then expands into southern and south-eastern regions through the week.

Where and when the worst heat is expected

• Western Australia: Heat is expected to intensify from the weekend, with a large inland area forecast to reach the low-to-mid 40s by Monday.
• South Australia & central Australia: The hottest air begins spreading east around Tuesday, pushing temperatures sharply higher inland.
• Victoria & New South Wales: The hot air mass is forecast to reach these states from Wednesday into Thursday, with the worst conditions expected inland.

Cities and regional hotspots

Forecasters warn the hottest weather will occur inland, but major cities are also in line for multiple hot days.

• Adelaide: Forecast to reach about 39–41°C on Wednesday and Friday next week.
• Melbourne: Could see highs ranging from 30–39°C each day from Wednesday to Friday.
• Mildura (NW Victoria): Forecast to hit about 45°C on Thursday, with similar or slightly higher temperatures possible across the border in SA.

In a separate Bureau of Meteorology briefing, senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said temperatures are likely to surge into the low-to-mid 40s for inland parts of SA, Vic and NSW, and that maximums above 40°C could occur in regions of every mainland state and territory by Thursday.

Narramore also warned the heat could run 6–12°C above average in parts of SA, Vic and NSW later in the week, and in some places up to 15°C above average, increasing the risk of severe to extreme heatwave conditions.

Heatwave risk and fire danger

Because the system is expected to be slow-moving, heatwave conditions are forecast to affect parts of every state and territory. The strongest impact is expected across WA, SA, Victoria and Tasmania, with widespread severe to extreme heatwave conditions possible as the week progresses.

Forecasters also note that the high temperatures may elevate fire danger ratings on some days next week, with late week currently flagged as a period to watch for parts of southern Australia.

Straight-forward heat safety reminders

• Limit time outdoors during the hottest hours and plan activities early or late in the day.
• Drink fluids regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Use cooling where possible (air conditioning and fans) and keep blinds/curtains closed in the heat.
• If home is too hot, spend time in air-conditioned public spaces such as shopping centres, libraries or community centres.
• Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles.

Forecasts may shift as new model data comes in, so check the latest updates from the Bureau of Meteorology for your local area.

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