Southern Australia sweltered under extreme heat above 40°C, prompting health warnings, power strain and bushfire risks across multiple states.
AUSTRALIA, Jan. 8, 2026: Australia’s southern regions sweltered through a brutal heatwave on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, triggering health warnings, straining power grids and causing bushfires to flare.
Meteorologists said conditions were at their worst in six years. The national weather bureau issued severe to extreme heat warnings for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, while also flagging extreme fire danger across Victoria and South Australia.
In Victoria, temperatures climbed as high as 44 degrees Celsius, with Melbourne recording around 41 degrees.
Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, remain hydrated and check on vulnerable people as emergency services remained on high alert.
Photo: File (PIB)
