Wyndham reaches 42°C as Extreme Heat Drives Fire Danger

Wyndham has recorded a temperature of 42 degrees Celsius at 3:00pm today, Wednesday 7 January 2026, as an intense heatwave continues to grip Victoria and large parts of south-eastern Australia.

The extreme heat has pushed fire danger ratings to severe levels, prompting total fire bans across much of Victoria, including Melbourne and Geelong, along with the Wimmera, South West and Central districts. Under the declaration, all outdoor fires are prohibited until midnight.

Melbourne is now approaching what could become one of its hottest days on record, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 43 degrees later this afternoon. If reached, it would surpass the city’s previous January peak of 40 degrees recorded in 2020 during the Black Summer fire season.

Hot, dry conditions combined with strengthening winds have significantly elevated the risk of fast-moving grass and bushfires. The danger was underscored earlier today when a small grass fire broke out at Manor Lakes, which was successfully contained in surrounding grassland.

Fire authorities warn that conditions are likely to worsen over the coming days. Forecasts indicate temperatures of 40 degrees or higher across parts of Victoria on Friday, paired with strong winds ranging from 40km/h to 70km/h. Such conditions increase the likelihood of rapid fire spread and make suppression efforts far more difficult, particularly when wind changes occur.

The current heat event has been building steadily throughout the week and is expected to affect multiple states, including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, through to the weekend.

Emergency services are urging residents to remain alert, follow fire restrictions, and monitor official warnings as the state endures one of the most dangerous heat periods of the summer so far.