Overview
- The Bureau of Meteorology warns temperatures could top 45C across more than half the country, with the south and southeast facing the most acute conditions.
- Port Augusta hit 46.3C and is forecast to reach up to 47C, while Melbourne and Adelaide are expected to hover around the low 40s.
- Authorities flag severe fire weather driven by very dry air, strong northerly winds gusting up to 90 km/h and the potential for dry lightning and dust storms.
- Bushfires are already burning in parts of Victoria, statewide fire bans have been imposed to limit ignition sources and emergency services are on heightened alert.
- Ambulance Victoria reports a 12% rise in call-outs and grid operator Ausgrid warns of elevated outage risk as demand for air conditioning surges, with unusually warm nights adding health strain.