Hot and windy conditions will cause Extreme fire danger in parts of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia on Wednesday, with total fire bans in place for some areas.

Return of heat in southeastern Australia

Despite a burst of cold weather in southeastern Australia at the start of this week, which saw sub-zero minimums in four states, temperatures are once again climbing under the influence of warm northwesterly winds.

Temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 41°C in SA and 39°C in Vic on Wednesday afternoon, while across Bass Strait, the mercury is predicted to reach 30°C in parts of Tas.

This warmth will combine with blustery winds to cause Extreme fire danger ratings in the following areas:

Mount Lofty Ranges district in SA. This includes the Adelaide Hills.

Wimmera, North Central and Central districts in Vic. This includes Melbourne and Geelong.

Midlands and East Coast districts in Tas.

The heat affecting southeastern Australia on Wednesday won’t be as intense as the heatwave that baked the region in the final week of January. However, below average rainfall and above average temperatures last month have helped dry out vegetation, which increases the risk of fires becoming difficult to control this week.

Last month was Victoria’s driest January since 2013 and its warmest January in seven years based on maximum temperatures.

Fire danger will ease for much of SA, Tas and Vic from Thursday as temperatures become cooler. However, Extreme fire danger is forecast for Vic’s North East district on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Lingering heat and fire danger in the west

WA is being affected by a Severe to Extreme heatwave this week, which is elevating fire danger ratings in some areas.

Image: Heatwave severity forecast for the three days starting on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Source: Weatherzone.

Perth reached 41.9°C on Monday and temperatures in the Gascoyne and Pilbara hit 46 to 47°C on Monday and Tuesday. Maximums in the mid- to high-40s are likely in the Pilbara and Gascoyne between Wednesday and at least Friday, with Perth also continuing to see temperatures reaching the mid-30s for the remainder of this week.

This warmth will contribute to High fire danger over much of WA for the rest of this week, while Extreme fire danger is forecast for the Swan Inland North district (northeast of Perth) on Wednesday.

People in areas with elevated fire danger should stay informed and follow local emergency warnings. For more information on fires, visit the following state fire authority websites:

Victoria - https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/

South Australia - https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/

Tasmania - https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/

Western Australia - https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/