Four states set to swelter with over 40-degree days next week

Published: January 3, 2026

Daily London

Multiple states as set to swelter next week as a hot air mass spreads across parts of Australia.

The hot weather is expected to intensify over WA from this weekend before spreading across southern, central and south-eastern Australia next week.

An extremely hot air mass will spread across the country this week, pushing temperatures towards the mid-to-high 40s in parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. (Weatherzone)

Temperatures are expected to reach the low-to-mid 40s in WA by Monday, according to Weatherzone.

The heat will then spread around Tuesday into South Australia and central Australia.

The weather system will then move to Victoria and NSW from Wednesday and Thursday.

The peak of the heat is expected to occur inland but capital cities won’t escape the heat.

Melbourne could reach between 30 to 39 degrees each day from Wednesday to Friday next week, while Adelaide‘s temperatures could range from about 39 to 41 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to be hotter in the regional Victorian city of Mildura, with the potential for a 45-degree day on Thursday next week.

“It’s too early to know exactly how hot this air mass will be as it spreads across Australia next week,” Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said.

“However, numerous computer models suggest temperatures could reach around 45 to 46 degrees in parts of WA, SA, Vic and NSW, with some spots possibly reaching about 48 degrees.

“The hottest weather over the coming week will occur inland, away from Australia’s state capital cities, but the major cities won’t completely escape the heat.”

Heatwave conditions are expected to impact parts of every state and territory next week but the highest temperatures are likely to be felt in WA, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.