Large parts of Australia are groaning under extreme heat with temperatures approaching 50 degrees. Bushfires have already triggered evacuations in the southeast.
January 26, 2026, 11:08January 26, 2026, 11:08
The states of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are particularly badly affected. Many Australian media reports are talking about one of the hottest weather phenomena in years. There is a warning about possible dangers for the population and emergency services. In the past few days there have been temperatures of more than 40 degrees.
The heat is currently causing Australia problems.Image: keystone
45 degrees in Melbourne
“Stay cool, drink enough, stay indoors, avoid the sun,” the Australian “Guardian” quoted meteorologist Dean Narramore from the Australian Meteorological Office BoM. Temperatures of around 49 degrees were expected for several locations in Victoria on Tuesday. In the metropolis of Melbourne – where the Australian Open tennis tournament is currently being held – temperatures are also expected to rise to around 45 degrees. This would bring them almost close to the previous record of 46.6 degrees, which was recorded in February 2009.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner is suffering from the heat at the Australian Open.Image: keystone
In parts of the state of South Australia, temperatures are likely to climb to more than 49 degrees. Even for the big city of Adelaide, 46 degrees are forecast – and even the nighttime temperatures are expected to be well over 30 degrees in many places in the coming days. Further record values could be set in various parts of the country as the week progresses. A heat wave that lasts this long is unusual even by Australian standards, said Narramore.
Evacuations due to bushfires
At the same time, several bushfires intensified in Victoria. In the Otway Ranges southwest of Melbourne, uncontrolled fires spread near towns such as Carlisle River and Gellibrand. Residents from more than 1,100 households were asked to seek safety. The fire department warned that the flames could spread quickly due to high temperatures, dry vegetation and warm gusts of wind. (dab/sda/dpa)