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Historic heatwave expected to break records in NSW and Queensland with temperatures over 45C in regional towns

10 articles
3 sources
0% diversity
Updated 28.1.2026
Key Topics & People
Victoria *Bureau of Meteorology South Australia Australia New South Wales

Coverage Framing

10
Environmental(10)
Avg Factuality:78%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Jan 28, 2026

1 articles|1 sources
heatwaverecord temperaturesnswqueenslandbushfires
Environmental(1)
The Guardian - World NewsJan 28

Historic heatwave expected to break records in NSW and Queensland with temperatures over 45C in regional towns

A historic heatwave is expected to break temperature records in New South Wales and Queensland on Wednesday. Several regional towns are forecast to experience temperatures exceeding 45C. By midday, Wilcannia, NSW, reached 45.4C with a predicted high of 48C, and Bourke, NSW, reached 41.3C with a predicted high of 47C. The heatwave follows record-breaking temperatures in Victoria, where bushfires continue to burn out of control. The extreme heat is gripping south-eastern Australia.

Mixed toneFactual
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Bushfires still burning out of control in Victoria.

factual

Victoria’s all-time maximum daily temperature record of 48.9C broken on Tuesday.

factual

By midday the temperature in Wilcannia, in NSW’s west, was 45.4C.

factual

In Bourke, the mercury had climbed to 41.3C with a forecasted maximum of 47C.

prediction

Parts of New South Wales and south-western Queensland could be on track for more record setting temperatures on Wednesday.

Jan 27, 2026

3 articles|3 sources
heatwaveaustraliavictoriaextreme heatfires
Environmental(3)
The Guardian - World NewsJan 27

Through the heatwave haze, the hypocrisy of Australia’s fossil fuel policy shines bright | Clean Air

A recent heatwave severely impacted Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia, with Melbourne experiencing near-record high temperatures and Adelaide enduring its hottest night on record. Several Melbourne suburbs exceeded 45C on Tuesday, while Adelaide reached the same temperature on Monday. The Clean Air article highlights the increasing likelihood of such extreme heat events becoming commonplace in Australia. The article further suggests that this heatwave exposes the hypocrisy of Australia's current fossil fuel policies in the face of climate change. The author encourages readers to subscribe to the Clear Air Australia newsletter for further updates.

Mixed toneMixed
Negative
South China Morning PostJan 27

Australia swelters as temperatures near 50 degrees in record-breaking heatwave

Australia is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius in some areas on Tuesday. Rural towns in Victoria state recorded preliminary highs of 48.9 degrees, potentially surpassing records from 2009. While no casualties were reported, authorities urged caution due to ongoing forest fires. The heat significantly impacted Melbourne, where the Australian Open implemented extreme heat protocols, including closing arena roofs and postponing outdoor matches. Players and photographers took measures to cope with the extreme conditions, and fans sought refuge in shaded or air-conditioned areas. The heatwave has caused disruptions and prompted safety measures across the affected regions.

Mixed toneFactual
Negative
BBC News - WorldJan 27

Firefighters battle 'emergency level' blazes in Australia heatwave

A record-breaking heatwave in southeastern Australia is fueling multiple major fires, with at least two burning at an "emergency level" in Victoria. Firefighters are battling at least six blazes as temperatures reach unprecedented highs, including 48.9C in some areas. Emergency warnings have been issued to several communities, advising residents to evacuate, watch and wait, or shelter in place. Officials warn of rapidly changing conditions and the potential for ember showers to ignite new fires. While the extent of the damage is still unclear, there are reports of homes being lost. South Australia is also on alert for extreme fire risk, and health officials are warning of significant health risks associated with the prolonged heat, particularly for vulnerable populations.

MeasuredFactual7 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Parts of Australia sweltered in record temperatures of close to 50 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

factual

173 people were killed in the state’s devastating Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.

factual

Victoria authorities urged caution as three forest fires burned out of control.

— Victoria authorities

factual

Organisers enacted extreme heat protocols at the Australian Open.

factual

Firefighters in Victoria are battling at least six major fires.

— Ayeshea Perera, Asia Digital Editor

Jan 26, 2026

4 articles|2 sources
heatwavehigh temperaturesextreme heatbureau of meteorologyextreme heatwave
Environmental(4)
The Guardian - World NewsJan 26

Severe heatwave envelops South Australia as Victoria braces for record-breaking weather

South Australia experienced extreme heat on Monday, while Victoria is bracing for potentially record-breaking temperatures on Tuesday. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts maximum temperatures near 50C in inland areas of eastern South Australia and Victoria. Locations such as Ouyen and Mildura in north-west Victoria are predicted to reach 49C. The heatwave is expected to continue, potentially breaking existing temperature records in the affected regions. Residents are advised to stay informed and take precautions against the severe heat.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative
BBC News - WorldJan 26

Heatwave warnings across Australia as millions celebrate national day

Australia is experiencing widespread heatwave conditions as millions celebrate Australia Day on January 26th, prompting authorities to issue warnings across most of the country. Temperatures are expected to reach the high forties Celsius in southern states, leading to the cancellation of some Australia Day celebrations, including a parade in Adelaide, due to safety concerns. Extreme fire dangers are also present in parts of South Australia and Victoria, where firefighters are battling several fires. The heatwave has impacted the Australian Open in Melbourne, and parts of Western Australia were affected by Tropical Cyclone Luana. Residents are advised to take precautions to stay cool and safe during the extreme weather.

MeasuredFactual3 sources
Negative
The Guardian - World NewsJan 26

Extreme heatwave may break records in Victoria as firefighters warn of bushfire risk in ‘very dry’ state

Victoria, Australia is bracing for a record-breaking heatwave on Tuesday, with the towns of Ouyen and Mildura in the Mallee region expected to reach 49C. This temperature could surpass the state's all-time high of 48.8C, recorded during the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. Melbourne is also forecast to experience its hottest day since Black Saturday. Firefighters are warning of an increased bushfire risk due to the very dry conditions across the state. Weather warnings have been issued as residents prepare for the extreme heat.

Mixed toneFactual
Negative

Key Claims

factual

The state’s temperature record is 48.8C set in Hopetoun on Black Saturday in 2009.

factual

Residents of more than 1,000 homes in Victoria have been urged to leave before sunset.

— null

statistic

The fire in Otways has burned about 9,400 hectares.

— null

factual

Six fires were burning across the state on Monday afternoon.

— null

factual

Heatwave warnings have been issued for most of Australia.

Jan 23, 2026

1 articles|1 sources
intense heatfire dangertemperature recordsheatwavehigh temperatures
Environmental(1)
The Guardian - World NewsJan 23

Intense heat across south-east Australia could shatter temperature records in coming days

An intense heatwave is forecast to impact south-east Australia, potentially breaking temperature records in Victoria and New South Wales. Beginning Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts prolonged high temperatures across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and southern Queensland. Inland areas may experience over five consecutive days exceeding 40C. The heatwave is expected to create extreme to catastrophic fire conditions across several states. The high temperatures are attributed to a dome of intense heat pushing into the region.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a prolonged period of intense heat.

— Bureau of Meteorology

prediction

High to extreme fire danger expected across several states.

factual

A dome of intense heat pushed into south-east Australia.

prediction

Inland parts of SA, Victoria, NSW and Queensland may have more than five days above 40C.

prediction

All-time temperature records could tumble in Victoria and New South Wales over coming days.

Jan 22, 2026

1 articles|1 sources
heatwavehigh temperaturesvictoriafire warningsrecord temperatures
Environmental(1)
The Guardian - World NewsJan 22

Heatwave and fire warnings as parts of Victoria expected to approach ‘all-time maximum record’ temperatures

A heatwave is forecast to impact South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C for at least five days in some areas. Victoria is bracing for potentially record-breaking temperatures, prompting heightened fire warnings, especially in already affected regions. The Bureau of Meteorology attributes the heatwave to a "dome of heat" that originated in Western Australia and is now moving eastward. Residents are urged to prepare for the extreme heat, as authorities monitor the situation and issue warnings.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative

Key Claims

quote

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn described a “dome of heat” moving east.

— Kevin Parkyn

prediction

At least five days of temperatures above 40C forecast for parts of South Australia, Victoria and NSW

prediction

Parts of Victoria are expected to approach ‘all-time maximum record’ temperatures.