Australia’s east and south are bracing for an intense heatwave that meteorologists say could produce some of the highest temperatures in years, with authorities urging residents to take extraordinary precautions as the nation strives to protect public health and infrastructure.

Forecasts indicate sweltering conditions across Victoria, South Australia and western New South Wales, where daytime temperatures are expected to soar well into the 40s Celsius and could approach or exceed previous heatwave records, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses, bushfire risk and strain on energy systems.

Temperatures in Melbourne may surpass 40°C in January for the first time since 2020, and inland regions are projected to experience even hotter conditions.

Emergency services and health officials have warned residents to stay hydrated, minimise strenuous outdoor activity and check on vulnerable neighbours, as authorities prepare for sustained extreme heat that could last several days.

Power providers are monitoring supply loads as the heightened demand for air conditioning threatens outages, and fire agencies are on alert for increased bushfire danger amid dry, hot winds.

In Western Australia, local police believe human remains discovered on Fence Reef Beach near Ledge Point are those of a 32-year-old snorkeller who went missing on New Year’s Day, prompting a scaled-down but ongoing investigation.

The man was reported missing after separating from a group snorkelling for crayfish off Ledge Point, about 120 kilometres north of Perth, and extensive search efforts involving water police, volunteer marine rescue crews, jetskis, aircraft and divers were undertaken before being reduced when no trace of him was found.

The remains were recovered ashore by authorities on Tuesday morning, and formal identification is pending, although police have indicated they are confident the discovery relates to the missing snorkeller.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a coroner’s report is expected.