24/01/2026
⚠️☀️ INTENSE AND PROLONGED HEATWAVE
- PARTS OF WESTERN, CENTRAL
- Posted: 7:38pm, Saturday 24 January
An intense and prolonged heatwave is forecast to impact New South Wales from this weekend into next week, with potentially record-challenging temperatures and dangerous fire weather conditions, particularly across inland and western parts of the state.
A large pool of extreme heat moving east from Western Australia is expected to become slow-moving over southeastern Australia, allowing heat to build and persist over NSW. This is likely to result in a severe to locally extreme heatwave, especially across inland districts.
Forecast guidance indicates temperatures in inland and western hookup NSW may reach the mid to high 40s from Monday or Tuesday, with current projections showing maximums up to 48°C. Some computer models suggest temperatures could approach 50°C in parts of western NSW later next week if conditions align. The heat is expected to last several days with limited overnight relief.
This heat will significantly increase fire danger, with very high to extreme fire danger ratings possible in parts of western and southern inland NSW as hot, dry conditions combine with periods of gusty winds.
While the most extreme heat is expected inland, Western Sydney could approach 40°C, the Canberra region may see consecutive days in the high 30s to low 40s, and coastal areas may still experience hot and uncomfortable conditions, particularly away from the immediate coast.
For the latest heatwave warnings and tips on beating the heat, visit https://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/in-the-community/warnings.
Continue to monitor Bureau of Meteorology forecasts, fire danger ratings and emergency warnings.
Graphic: Daily maximum temperature ending Thursday 29 Jan.
- Weatherzone (www.weatherzone.com.au)
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