Heatwave Warnings Across Australia as Millions Celebrate Australia Day
Australian authorities have issued widespread Australia heatwave warnings as millions of people marked Australia Day, with extreme temperatures gripping large parts of the country.
The Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures are expected to peak on Tuesday, with readings reaching the high forties Celsius in southern states including Victoria and South Australia. On Sunday, South Australia recorded temperatures as high as 48.5 degrees Celsius, raising serious concerns about public safety and bushfire risks.
Due to the extreme conditions, several Australia Day events were cancelled across the country. In Adelaide, organisers called off the traditional parade and a planned light show, citing safety concerns for the public, performers and staff. Authorities stressed that community wellbeing must come before celebrations during such severe weather.
Heatwave warnings have been issued for most states and territories, including New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Many of the alerts are expected to remain in effect until Wednesday.
Victoria’s emergency management commissioner said the state has not experienced heatwave conditions of this intensity in nearly two decades, drawing comparisons to the extreme weather seen before the devastating 2009 bushfires. Fire danger ratings have been elevated across parts of South Australia and south-western Victoria, with firefighters battling multiple blazes that have forced evacuations and threatened homes.
The heatwave also impacted major sporting events, including the Australian Open in Melbourne, where play was temporarily suspended after players showed signs of heat stress. Tens of thousands of spectators were advised to take precautions while attending matches.
Australia Day, observed on January 26, marks the anniversary of the arrival of Britain’s First Fleet in 1788. However, the date remains controversial, with many Indigenous Australians referring to it as “Invasion Day.” Rallies supporting Indigenous rights were held in major cities despite the extreme heat.
Meanwhile, parts of Western Australia were affected by Tropical Cyclone Luana over the weekend, which damaged homes and infrastructure before weakening inland.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors where possible, keep hydrated, and seek air-conditioned spaces such as community centres and shopping malls as the extreme heat continues.
