Parts of Australia experienced exceptionally high temperatures on Tuesday as a prolonged heatwave intensified across southern and eastern regions, with preliminary readings in some locations approaching fifty degrees Celsius.

In north-western Victoria, the rural towns of Hopetoun and Walpeup recorded preliminary highs of forty-eight point nine degrees Celsius, which, if confirmed, would surpass the state record set in two thousand nine during the Black Saturday heatwave.

Other areas of Victoria, including Mildura and surrounding regions, recorded temperatures in the high forties.

Extreme heat was also reported across parts of South Australia and New South Wales, where several locations exceeded long-standing January temperature records.

Meteorological authorities issued severe to extreme heat warnings for wide areas of southern, central and eastern Australia, with forecasts indicating conditions well above seasonal averages.

The heat coincided with active bushfire conditions in Victoria, where several forest fires were burning out of control.

Emergency services issued warnings and advisories to communities near affected areas, and total fire bans were declared across multiple districts.

Authorities reported no heat-related fatalities, though residents were urged to exercise caution as fire danger ratings reached high and extreme levels.

In Melbourne, temperatures approached the city’s historical maximums, affecting daily activity and major events.

At Melbourne Park, organisers of the Australian Open tennis tournament activated extreme heat protocols.

Retractable roofs over the main arenas were closed, matches on uncovered courts were postponed, and crowd numbers during daytime sessions declined significantly as health warnings were issued.

Other parts of southern Australia also experienced unusually warm overnight conditions.

Adelaide recorded one of its highest minimum temperatures on record, contributing to cumulative heat stress.

Emergency services in several states reported increased demand, including a rise in heat-related call-outs.

The heatwave followed earlier periods of extreme temperatures earlier in the month, during what authorities described as one of Australia’s hottest summers on record.

Forecasts indicated that while some regions could see modest temperature relief midweek, elevated heat conditions were expected to persist in parts of the country into the weekend.