Southern Australia is bracing for a weekend of scorching heat and catastrophic fire danger as a blistering heatwave grips the region. With temperatures soaring well above average and gusty winds fanning the flames, authorities have issued dire warnings and implemented total fire bans across swaths of South Australia and Victoria.
Heatwave Fuels Extreme Fire Dangers
The mercury is set to skyrocket this weekend, with temperatures climbing 6 to 12 degrees Celsius above the November norm across much of southern Australia. Whyalla and Murray Bridge in South Australia are bracing for a blistering 40°C, while Adelaide is expected to hit 36°C. Across the border in Victoria, Mildura could reach a sweltering 37°C, with Melbourne forecast to swelter through 34°C.
But it’s not just the heat that has authorities on high alert. According to Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How, it’s the combination of scorching temperatures and blustery winds that is driving fire dangers to extreme, and in some cases, catastrophic levels.
“Extreme fire danger means that if a fire were to start, it would become very dangerous very quickly,” How explained. “Catastrophic is the highest fire danger rating [and means] that if a fire does start, it will be extremely dangerous and difficult to control.”
Total Fire Bans in Effect
In response to the severe fire dangers, authorities have declared total fire bans across large areas of South Australia and Victoria for Saturday. The Country Fire Service in South Australia warned of catastrophic fire danger for the eastern Eyre Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula, with most southern and coastal districts under extreme fire danger.
Victoria is also on high alert, with total fire bans and extreme fire danger in place for the Mallee and Wimmera districts in the northwest. Central parts of the state, including Melbourne, are facing high fire danger.
Tinder-Dry Conditions Spark Concern
Exacerbating the fire risks are the severely dry conditions across southern Australia this year. According to Weatherzone, most of southern and eastern South Australia, as well as large parts of Victoria, have seen rainfall totals well below average in 2024.
Whyalla, which is now under a catastrophic fire danger warning, has received a meager 118mm of rain this year – less than half of its usual total by mid-November. These parched conditions have left the landscape tinder-dry and primed to burn.
Dry Lightning Sparks Fire Fears
To make matters worse, there is a risk of dry lightning across New South Wales and northern Victoria on Saturday. Without accompanying rainfall, lightning strikes could easily ignite new fires in the bone-dry bush.
“Dry lightning is a real concern in these conditions,” a Rural Fire Service spokesperson warned. “All it takes is one strike to start a major blaze that could threaten lives and homes.”
Brief Reprieve on the Horizon
The good news is that this heatwave is not expected to linger. Weatherzone meteorologist Joel Pippard said a cool change should reach Adelaide by Saturday evening, with milder conditions spreading east on Sunday.
“This is a short, sharp burst of heat, not a prolonged heatwave,” Pippard explained. “But that doesn’t diminish the dangers while it lasts.”
“We’re urging people to monitor conditions closely, heed any warnings from emergency services, and have a bushfire plan ready to enact if needed,” a Country Fire Authority spokesperson added. “Complacency could be deadly.”
Bracing for a Fiery Weekend
As the first major heatwave of the season bears down on southern Australia, communities are preparing for a weekend of severe fire dangers. Residents in high-risk areas are urged to stay informed, be ready to enact their bushfire survival plans, and leave early if necessary.
Fire crews are on standby, with water bombers and other aircraft ready to respond at a moment’s notice. But with conditions this severe, stopping every fire may be an impossible task.
While cooler weather is on the way, southern Australia must first endure a weekend of blistering heat and the menace of catastrophic bushfires. As the country holds its breath, all eyes will be on the sky, watching for any sign of smoke on the horizon.
