Australia is bracing for a significant heatwave this week, affecting New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. A wall of heat is moving across the continent, resulting in extremely high temperatures and increased bushfire risks.
This heatwave follows 2025, which was Australia’s fourth-warmest year on record. Recent data reveals a troubling trend: the number of residents in bushfire-prone areas is on the rise. In Melbourne and Perth, populations in these areas have more than doubled since 2000, with significant increases in other capital cities as well.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting dangerously high temperatures for many regions, including parts of Tasmania. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore described this as the “first major burst of heat for south-eastern Australia this summer.” He noted that this might last for up to four days in some areas, with daytime highs reaching the mid-40s Celsius.
Adelaide and Melbourne are expected to hit 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while Canberra and western Sydney will feel the heat later in the week. Melbourne may enjoy a brief cooldown on Thursday, but temperatures are set to rise again by Friday.
Weather patterns are abnormally persistent because of a large high-pressure system, which has halted usual weather changes. This means above-average temperatures and minimal nighttime coolness, with nighttime lows remaining in the mid-20s Celsius, according to Narramore.
Meanwhile, fire danger is escalating. This week marks the anniversary of significant fires in Los Angeles, raising alarms about similar threats in Australia. Reports from the Climate Council warn that urban fires of this magnitude could occur in Australia as well. With climate change worsening conditions, increased temperatures are becoming more frequent, and longer fire seasons are the new normal.
Andrew Gissing, CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia, points out that climate change, population growth in at-risk areas, and environmental degradation are all contributing to a heightened bushfire risk. He noted that less than half of Australians have emergency plans in place for disasters like bushfires and heatwaves.
Recent statistics show that in Melbourne alone, over 2 million people live in bushfire-prone areas—a staggering increase of 111% from 2001 to 2024. Perth’s numbers have similarly skyrocketed, while Sydney has seen a 24% jump, reflecting a broader trend across Australian cities.
The average annual temperature in Australia reached 21.8 degrees Celsius in 2025, marking a significant rise compared to earlier decades. Notably, 2019 remains the hottest year on record, with temperatures 1.51 degrees Celsius above the long-term average.
In short, this heatwave is not just uncomfortable; it’s a wake-up call for many Australians about the increasing risks of climate change and urban living in fire-prone areas. Staying informed and prepared is vital as this trend continues to evolve.
For more insights on climate change impacts, you may refer to reports from the [Climate Council](https://www.climatecouncil.org.au).
