Australia heatwave: Temperatures in Victoria almost hit 50°C

Temperatures in Victoria, Australia hit close to 50°C on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, owing to a major heatwave across the continent's southeast.

According to Weatherzone, the northwest Victorian town of Walpeup smashed the state’s 2009 heat record after reaching 48.9°C on Tuesday.

Melbourne, which is Victoria, Australia's second-most populous state, is set to experience its hottest day on record in nearly 17 years, where the temperature is expected to hit as high as 45°C.

Bushfires

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said the severe to extreme heatwave conditions are expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, before subsiding.

Hundreds of residents in rural towns had to evacuate their homes.

A fast-moving bushfire in the Otways region has burned about 10,000 hectares, or 15,000 football fields.

The Otways region in Victoria, Australia, is a picturesque coastal and hinterland area along the Great Ocean Road, known for its ancient rainforests.

There were six major bushfires burning in the state, Australia media reported.

Fires could subside due to cool change

A cool change is set to come through on Tuesday afternoon in Western Victoria and reach the bushfire across the Otway region by 6pm.

But before that, officials warned that strong winds forecast could further spread the blaze, threatening homes.

Emergency services have knocked on about 1,100 doors of homes and sent text messages to around 10,000 phones urging residents to leave the region.

Those who chose to stay in an attempt to defend their properties from the fire were warned they might be killed.

Authorities warned that those leaving at the last minute are at high risk of perishing, given that those who made similar choices in the past were killed.

Top photos via Faceook & Barwon Heads Fire Brigade