Victoria Smashes All-Time Temperature Record Amid Severe Heatwave

Record-Breaking Heat Grips Victoria

Victoria, Australia, has officially registered its highest-ever temperature, with the mercury soaring to an unprecedented 48.9°C (120°F) on January 27, 2026. The record-breaking heat was observed in the northwestern towns of Walpeup and Hopetoun, as confirmed by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). This new benchmark surpasses the state's previous record of 48.8°C (119.8°F), which was set at Hopetoun Airport on February 7, 2009.

Widespread Extreme Conditions Across Southeastern Australia

The record temperature is part of a severe to extreme heatwave that has enveloped southeastern Australia, impacting Victoria, South Australia, and inland New South Wales. Across Victoria, many areas in the Mallee and Wimmera districts experienced temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F). The state capital, Melbourne, also felt the intense heat, with Melbourne Airport recording 44.1°C. Further north, Mildura reached 48.6°C, breaking its own previous record of 46.9°C from January 1990.

The heatwave's impact extended beyond Victoria:

• In South Australia, Renmark hit an all-time record of 49.6°C, marking the hottest temperature recorded in Australia to date in 2026. Ceduna also reached 49.5°C.
• Inland New South Wales and southwestern Queensland reported maximums between 45°C and 48°C.

Causes and Public Health Warnings

The Bureau of Meteorology attributes the prolonged heatwave to a stationary high-pressure ridge positioned over central Australia, which has been directing hot continental air southward. Additionally, Tropical Cyclone Luana in Western Australia contributed to the intensity by reinforcing the heat dome.

Authorities have issued urgent public health warnings, advising residents to prioritize hydration and take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Extreme heat is recognized as the leading cause of weather-related hospitalizations and fatalities in Australia, surpassing all other natural hazards combined.

Heightened Bushfire Risk and Evacuation Orders

The scorching conditions have significantly elevated the risk of bushfires across the region, creating dangerous fire weather comparable to the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. In response to the escalating threat, an evacuation order was issued for over 1,100 properties in Carlisle River and surrounding communities. Historical data indicates that the heatwave preceding the 2009 Black Saturday fires resulted in more than twice the number of deaths compared to the fires themselves, underscoring the severe health risks associated with extreme heat events.