Heatwave sweeps across southeast Australia, raising bushfire alert in Victoria

A severe heatwave is gripping southeast Australia, pushing temperatures far above seasonal averages and prompting heightened bushfire warnings across Victoria state.

Last week, a massive blaze in the Grampians National Park destroyed farmland and rural properties, burning through hundreds of thousands of hectares of agricultural land.

Temperatures Soar Across Victoria

The national weather bureau forecasts temperatures to surge as much as 14°C above the January average in some areas, with Melbourne expected to hit 37°C on Saturday. By 10:20 a.m. local time, the Melbourne Airport weather station recorded 32.8°C—6°C above the typical maximum for this time of year.

Authorities have issued “extreme” fire danger warnings for the Mallee and Wimmera regions in western Victoria, areas particularly vulnerable due to dry conditions and high winds.

Prolonged Heatwave Expected

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury told ABC News that the heatwave is unlikely to ease before Sunday evening, leaving communities across Victoria bracing for elevated fire risks and health challenges.