Heatwave engulfs south-eastern states as Victoria faces catastrophic fire conditions not seen since Black Summer

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Petra StockJanuary 8, 2026 at 11:18 PM

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Southeastern Australia is experiencing a severe heatwave, leading to dangerous bushfire conditions. Victoria is facing catastrophic fire danger ratings, the highest level, prompting a total fire ban across the entire state. Extreme fire conditions are also expected in South Australia and the New South Wales Riverina. Melbourne is forecast to reach a high of 43 degrees Celsius, with even higher temperatures inland. Other major cities are also experiencing high temperatures, including Canberra (39C) and Sydney (33C). The conditions are reminiscent of the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Hobart 40% Adelaide 40% Sydney 40% Darwin 40% Perth 40% Brisbane 40% Canberra 40% South Australia 60% New South Wales Riverina 60% Melbourne 70% Australia 70% Victoria ×490%

Keywords

heatwave 100% fire conditions 90% victoria 80% catastrophic fire danger 80% total fire ban 70% south-eastern states 60% black summer 60% high temperatures 50% extreme conditions 50%