Australia braces for extreme heat; Sydney weather to turn scorching

Australia is facing one of its most dangerous heat events in years as soaring temperatures and strong winds push fire danger ratings to their highest levels in several states, prompting urgent warnings from authorities and widespread emergency measures.

Severe to extreme heatwave conditions have taken hold across most of the country, with Victoria and South Australia at the centre of the crisis. Fire authorities in Victoria have imposed a statewide total fire ban after conditions were upgraded to “catastrophic,” the most serious rating on Australia’s fire danger scale. As a precaution, hundreds of schools and childcare centres have been shut.

Firefighters have been battling multiple blazes across Victoria and New South Wales, including a fast-moving fire near Longwood in northern Victoria that has burned tens of thousands of hectares and destroyed homes and community buildings. Emergency officials described fire behaviour as erratic and highly dangerous, warning residents that property loss, and potentially worse, remains a real risk.

Weather experts say the current heat pattern is particularly concerning because of its duration and intensity. Strong winds, extremely dry conditions and the possibility of dry lightning are combining to create what meteorologists have described as the most severe inland fire threat since the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

Major cities are also feeling the strain. Melbourne recorded its hottest day in years earlier this week, while parts of inland Victoria and South Australia are expected to approach or exceed the mid-40s Celsius. Western Australia has also seen extreme temperatures, with some coastal areas nearing 50°C.

In New South Wales, the heatwave is forecast to peak over the weekend, with Sydney expected to swelter under temperatures climbing as high as 42°C on Saturday. Authorities are urging residents to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and remain alert to rapidly changing fire conditions, particularly on the city’s fringes and surrounding bushland. A sharp temperature drop is forecast for Sunday, offering brief relief after days of oppressive heat.

Emergency services across affected states have stressed that catastrophic fire ratings mean fires can become uncontrollable within minutes. Residents in high-risk areas have been advised to activate bushfire survival plans early and leave well before conditions deteriorate.

As firefighters continue to work around the clock and communities brace for further flare-ups, officials warn that the combination of extreme heat and volatile weather will keep much of Australia, including Sydney, on edge in the days ahead.