Melbourne set for 40-degree temperatures as eastern states swelter through heatwave

Published: January 4, 2026

Daily London

Capital cities across the country could suffer through sizzling temperatures of more than 40 degrees this week as a heatwave sweeps across Australia’s eastern states.

Intense heat has built up over Western Australia, leading to extreme heat in the state, but this is set to move east in the coming days, Weatherzone said.

This map from Weatherzone shows forecast maximum temperatures sweeping eastward. (Weatherzone)

“While Wednesday stands out as the hottest day of the week for both Adelaide and Melbourne, there is a chance that Adelaide could reach 40 degrees again on Thursday with the hot air mass expected to linger over SA’s south,” Weatherzone’s Tim Woebbeking said.

The hot weather will reach Melbourne on Thursday and Friday, with maximum temperatures of 30 degrees and 35 degrees respectively.

However, the weekend will bring showers and cooler weather, with Sunday dropping to around 21 degrees.

Sydney will be hit by the heat this weekend. (Getty)

It will be even hotter in Adelaide, with Thursday peaking at 39 degrees, while Friday is forecast to reach 38 degrees.

Although the harbour city won’t see temperatures hit 40 degrees, there will be four days of heat beginning on Wednesday, with the mercury peaking on Saturday at 36 degrees.

However, showers on Sunday will drop temperatures below 30 degrees, with up to five millimetres of rainfall expected.