Large parts of southern and south eastern Australia experienced an intense heatwave to kick off 2026. Temperatures were near‑50°C in some places and records were broken across multiple states. In some cities the overnight low hardly dropped, such as Adelaide which stayed around 34 °C at night, making it much harder for people (and bodies) to cool down.
The heatwave had widespread impacts, including a sharp rise in bushfire risk, particularly in Victoria and South Australia, where major fires strained emergency services. Soaring temperatures also drove record electricity demand, occasionally causing outages as cooling systems worked overtime.
A stagnant ‘heat dome’ trapped hot air, preventing relief from cooler breezes or rain, while even as some areas began to cool, high temperatures and ongoing fire danger warnings continued to threaten communities.
Heatwaves can be deceptively dangerous. High temperatures put stress on your body, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and the worsening of chronic conditions like heart of lung disease. No matter your age, healthy people can be affected if precautions aren’t taken.
Dr Ramon Pink is the Canterbury Medical Officer of Health for Te Whatu Ora, the National Public Health Service. He says that although we may welcome a run of hot weather, the heat can affect us all and overheating is a condition than can prove fatal.
“It’s especially important to stay out of the sun where possible, avoid extreme physical exertion and ensure pets and people are not left alone in stationary cars.
“While we are all vulnerable to hot temperatures, some people are particularly at risk. This includes the elderly, infants and children, women who are pregnant, people suffering from chronic, acute and severe illness.”
Those whose work involves strenuous physical activity outdoors should be particularly vigilant to avoid overheating. Dr Pink recommends people exposed to hot weather for long periods carry water with them and drink at least half a litre every hour.
He also recommends more breaks in the shade, to reapply sunscreen every two hours and schedule the hardest work in the coolest part of the day.
