Australia Heatwave 40C Forecast: January 2026 Temperatures

Australia is bracing for its most intense heatwave in six years, with temperatures forecast to climb past 45°C across four states, as the Bureau of Meteorology warns that the January 2026 event could break records. Here’s what you need to know about the heatwave, how it compares to past extremes, and how to stay safe.

Highest ever temperature in Australia: 50.7°C ·
Current forecast peak: 45°C ·
States under heatwave warning: NSW, VIC, SA, WA ·
Duration of current heatwave: Multiple days from 3 Jan 2026 ·
Previous significant heatwave: 2019–2020 summer

The table below provides a quick reference for key metrics.

What temperature is a heatwave in Australia?

What is the Bureau of Meteorology’s heatwave definition?

• BoM defines a heatwave as three consecutive days of high maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for that location (Bureau of Meteorology severe weather update).
• The official heatwave service runs from October to March.

A heatwave doesn’t need to hit 40°C — it’s relative to the local climate. For example, a 35°C day in Tasmania can be a heatwave, while 40°C in inland Australia is more common.

How is heatwave severity classified?

• Severe: Prolonged hot conditions that can affect vulnerable people.
• Extreme: Very hot conditions that can affect anyone, including healthy people (News.com.au heatwave classification).

The current event includes extreme heatwave areas through parts of northern Victoria, NSW, and southern Queensland.

The implication: The extreme rating underscores the need for immediate preparedness across affected regions.

What’s the hottest it’s ever got in Australia?

Five locations, one number: 50.7°C. That’s the record-high temperature shared by Oodnadatta (South Australia, 2 January 1960) and Onslow (Western Australia, 13 January 2022).

What is the highest recorded temperature in Australia?

• Oodnadatta recorded 50.7°C on 2 January 1960 (Bureau of Meteorology climate records).
• Onslow tied that record on 13 January 2022.

Has any place reached 50 degrees Celsius?

• Yes — multiple locations have exceeded 50°C, including Mardie (50.5°C) and Emu Creek (50.2°C).
• Extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent due to climate change (ABC News analysis).

The pattern: Record temperatures are becoming more common, and this heatwave brings us closer to a potential new national high.

Is summer 2026 going to be hot in Australia?

The El Niño pattern driving the current heatwave is shaping up to be one of the strongest on record, according to early forecasts.

What is the El Niño forecast for 2026?

• The Bureau of Meteorology and international climate models indicate El Niño conditions are present and likely to persist (BoM severe weather update).
• Some models suggest this could be one of the strongest El Niño events in recent decades (News.com.au).

How does El Niño affect Australian summers?

• El Niño typically brings hotter and drier conditions to eastern Australia.
• It increases the likelihood of heatwaves, drought, and bushfires.
• The current heatwave in January 2026 is part of this pattern (Bureau of Meteorology).

The catch: Strong El Niño signals require proactive planning for energy and agriculture sectors.

What is the silent killer in Australia?

Heat kills more Australians each year than bushfires, floods, and storms combined — yet it rarely makes headlines until it’s too late.

Why is heat called a silent killer?

• Heat stress can escalate to heatstroke without obvious warning signs.
• Vulnerable groups include the elderly, infants, and outdoor workers (Australian Department of Health heat stress guidance).
• Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, and confusion.

What are the health risks of heatwaves in Australia?

• Heatstroke can cause organ failure and death if untreated.
• Even mild heat stress reduces workplace productivity and increases accident risk.
• During the 2019–2020 summer, excess heat-related deaths were estimated in the hundreds (ABS mortality data).

The consequence: Without action, heat-related deaths and illnesses will rise during extreme events.

What is the Australia heatwave 40c forecast?

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe and extreme heatwave warnings across most of South Australia, much of New South Wales, northern Victoria, and parts of Western Australia.

Which states are expected to reach 40°C?

• Adelaide is forecast to reach 45°C on Australia Day, which would be the hottest Australia Day on record (BoM Australia Day update).
• Melbourne is heading for 40°C, possibly 41°C (SBS News).
• Port Augusta could hit 48°C, and Broken Hill 47°C.
• Many inland NSW towns face record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday (BoM timeline).

What is the latest forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology?

• The heatwave is “very long-lasting” with warnings lingering through the week (SBS News).
• Widespread Heatwave Warnings and Severe Heatwave Warnings are in place across most of South Australia, much of New South Wales, and northern Victoria.
• Warnings will extend to parts of southern Victoria over the weekend and into next week.

How long will the heatwave last?

• The heat began on 3 January 2026 in Western Australia and spread east.
• Peak temperatures are expected on 6 January 2026, but the heat will linger into Thursday (News.com.au timeline).
• Extreme fire danger is forecast for south-eastern South Australia, western Victoria, and central parts of Victoria, including the metropolitan area.

The implications of this heatwave go beyond discomfort. For the energy sector, record demand could strain the grid; for health services, emergency rooms may see a surge in heat-related admissions. For the millions living in affected states, the choice is clear: plan ahead, stay cool, and check on those who are most vulnerable, or face a week that could push Australia’s resilience to its limits.