Published on Jan. 28, 2026, 1:00 AM
Updated on Jan. 28, 2026, 1:12 AM
We explain the conditions, including an ex-cyclone, that will cause a stubborn heat dome to linger over Australia, bringing scorching temperatures up to 20°C above normal.
Australia is in the midst of an exceptional, multi-day heat wave across the southeast portions of the continent.
The temperature anomaly is nearly 20°C above average, which is extreme when you look at Australian climatological records.
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By Tuesday, the heat wave reached its fourth day, and is on track for up to eight consecutive days above 40°C across large inland areas–something not seen since the 1930s in New South Wales.
VICTORIA
Hottest temperature ever officially recorded in the State of Victoria.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Hottest day on record for Renmark.
Equals the 4th-highest temperature ever recorded in southern Australia.
Did you know? That temperature reading ties the all-time Canadian temperature record in Lytton, B.C., during the historic June 2021 heat dome.