Sydney, January 23, 2026 – The Europe Today: Australia is set to endure another intense heatwave this weekend, with temperatures forecast to approach 50 degrees Celsius in parts of the country, according to media reports.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued heatwave warnings across large areas of Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory, as extreme heat conditions intensify nationwide.
Victoria is also expected to swelter, with temperatures forecast to reach 43°C in Mildura and 40°C in Melbourne on Saturday. In Melbourne’s outer regions, temperatures are expected to climb even higher, with the town of Ouyen tipped to reach 48°C.
Meteorologist Christie Johnson warned that the extreme conditions are likely to persist, saying the “heat isn’t going anywhere,” as authorities brace for prolonged high temperatures over the long weekend.
Fire danger ratings across most of Victoria are expected to range from high to extreme, raising concerns that three out-of-control bushfires in Longwood, Walwa and Wonnangatta could spread further. In response, authorities have declared a total fire ban across the entire state, while emergency services remain on high alert.
Victoria’s bushfires have been burning for weeks, resulting in widespread destruction. According to official figures, the fires have claimed 434 homes and 1,054 outbuildings, while more than 34,000 livestock have been killed.
Meanwhile, the nationwide heatwave has prompted the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to issue public health advice on keeping cool. The agency warned that babies, children and older people are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, urging communities to take precautions as extreme temperatures persist.
