Heatwave returns for inland South Australia, NSW, southern Queensland, northern Victoria and Northern Territory

Published: January 21, 2026

Daily London

Parts of south-eastern Australia are set to swelter this weekend and into early next week.

Inland areas could experience the most extreme heat and temperatures could reach as high as 47 degrees in some locations, according to Weatherzone.

Weatherzone reports inland areas could experience the most extreme heat and temperatures could reach as high as 47 degrees in some locations. (Weatherzone)

Oodnadatta in South Australia’s north east pastoral forecast district could see a maximum temperature of 47 degrees, while temperatures in Mildura in Victoria’s north-west corner could reach a high of 46 degrees.

Bourke in the NSW upper western forecast district could experience temperatures up to 47 degrees and Birdsville in Queensland’s Channel Country could see a six-day run of 44 to 45 degree days from tomorrow to Tuesday.

Alice Springs will see maximum temperatures of 42 and 43 degrees from Friday to Sunday.

Temperatures in Mildura in Victoria’s north-west corner could reach a high of 46 degrees. (Getty)

Weatherzone meteorologist Yoska Hernandez said the heatwave was driven by a slow-moving weather pattern over southern Australia.

“With minimal change expected in the overall circulation, hot air continues to spread across south-eastern parts of the country, allowing the extreme heat to persist,” Hernandez said.

As temperatures rise across Australia, meteorologists will also keep their eyes on a tropical system off the coast.

“At the same time, a tropical low in the eastern Indian Ocean is forecast to strengthen, with a possible tropical cyclone approaching the Kimberley coast late this week.

“This tropical system is influencing large-scale atmospheric circulation, helping sustain upper-level ridging and reinforcing the pattern that is keeping extreme heat entrenched across south-eastern Australia.”