A heatwave is forecast to settle over Victoria, with Melbourne and inland areas expected to exceed 40°C over the coming weekend and again on Tuesday, potentially reaching near-record highs in some locations.

Fire authorities are on high alert over the long weekend as extreme heat and dry conditions raise the risk of more fires.

Forecasts highlight specific southeastern Australian regions likely to experience extreme heat, guiding public safety measures.

Forecast winds are expected to be weaker than during the prior catastrophic fire period, with total fire bans anticipated during the heatwave; residents are urged to avoid lighting fires even if bans are not in place.

A tropical low near Broome carries a high risk of developing Tropical Cyclone Luana, prompting a cyclone watch as it approaches the Kimberley coast.

The heat is part of a "dome of heat" moving east from Western Australia, elevating fire danger in the south-west and the Wimmera and increasing rapid-fire spread risk.

The article was updated on January 22, 2026, at 6:29 p.m. after an initial 6:26 p.m. publish, indicating ongoing coverage of the event.

As of this summer, 434 homes have been destroyed and 1,000 outbuildings damaged or destroyed, with agricultural losses rising and the Longwood fire covering about 144,000 hectares and livestock losses exceeding 35,000 cattle and sheep.

Emergency authorities report ongoing fires across the state, including Mallacoota-Lake Barracoota, Wonnangatta-Dargo, Walwa, Longwood, and Ravenswood-Harcourt, with Longwood contained and Ravenswood-Harcourt under control.

The reporting emphasizes heat-related hazards and urges residents to monitor updates and follow official instructions.

There is potential for localized flash flooding after the heat spell, even with no riverine flooding forecast, echoing past incidents on the Great Ocean Road.

Australia’s 2025 climate context shows a fourth-warmest year on record, linking ongoing heatwaves and bushfire risk to the broader climate crisis.