Scorcher forecast: heat dome to settle over Victoria this week

Heatwave on the way as overseas firefighters sought to help battle Victorian blazes

A "dome of heat" is set to loom over southeastern parts of Australia for at least the next four days.

Scorcher forecast: heat dome to settle over Victoria this week

Victorians are set for sweltering conditions over the coming week with temperatures to surpass 40 degrees in many parts of the state.

Temperature records tipped to break when heatwave hits Victoria

The Bureau of Meteorology says maximum temperature records could tumble in some areas early next week — with the town of Ouyen tipped to reach 48 degrees — with heatwave conditions set to send temperatures soaring.

Major sheep sales cancelled, moved due to extreme heat forecast next week

Sheep sales in Victoria face cancellations and changes as a heat wave approaches. Learn about the affected auctions and safety measures.

Climate change eclipses La Niña cooling in Australia to drive extreme heatwave and heightened fire risk – World Weather Attribution

From 5–10 January, 2026, south-eastern Australia experienced its most severe heatwave since 2019–20. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in major cities including Melbourne and Sydney, with even hotter conditions across regional Victoria and New South Wales. Extreme heat affected large parts of Australia, including Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania before moving east to New Zealand. The heatwave led to widespread health impacts, increased p…