Australians are being urged to prepare for a severe and prolonged heatwave set to grip the nation during the Australia Day long weekend, with forecasters predicting potentially record-breaking temperatures across multiple states. Inland towns could see the mercury soar to 45 degrees Celsius, while some northern regions may experience scorching highs of up to 48 degrees Celsius.
Medication Hazards Amplify Heat Dangers
Health authorities have issued a critical warning that coping with these extreme conditions could be made significantly more dangerous by common medications. Many Australians may not realise that everyday drugs, including painkillers, antidepressants and antihistamines, can increase sun sensitivity, reduce heat tolerance or impair the body's natural cooling mechanisms.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has highlighted that community pharmacists are witnessing more heat-related reactions linked to medicines. National President Professor Trent Twomey emphasised the importance of seeking professional advice during this dangerous weather event.
"Community pharmacists are always available to provide advice on the safe storage of medicines, checking if medicines increase heat or sun sensitivity and helping to manage dehydration, heat stress or sunburn," Professor Twomey stated.
"It's important for people to continue using their medicines, but take additional precautions in the heat and sun. A quick conversation with your pharmacist could prevent a serious reaction."
Vulnerable Groups Require Extra Caution
This warning carries particular significance for older Australians, outdoor workers and anyone taking medications that affect heat tolerance. With a brutal heatwave descending upon large portions of the country, these vulnerable populations face heightened risks during the extended hot spell.
Widespread Heatwave Conditions Forecast
Meteorologists have confirmed that significant and prolonged heatwave conditions will affect most states and territories, with Tasmania being the notable exception. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued heatwave warnings for extensive areas, including:
- Much of South Australia and the country's interior
- Victoria and inland New South Wales
- Southern inland Queensland
Parts of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales could experience a week of consecutive days exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Affected locations include Dubbo, Port Augusta, Ivenhoe, Mildura, Broken Hill and Wentworth.
Record Temperatures Expected
Meteorologist Jonathan How explained the severity of the approaching conditions: "We are seeing a significant and prolonged heatwave building over much of central and southeast Australia. We do have heatwave warnings current for much of South Australia and the country's interior, Victoria, inland New South Wales and southern inland Queensland and these will continue well into next week."
The forecast predicts 5 to 8 days of extremely hot conditions beginning Saturday, with coastal areas experiencing highs in the late 30s to low 40s, while inland regions face mid to high 40s. Overnight temperatures may not drop below 20 degrees Celsius in many locations, with some areas potentially staying above 30 degrees overnight.
"We may even see some records being challenged or new records being set, particularly for northern Victoria, western New South Wales and southern inland Queensland," How added. "So all of this heat is leading to severe to locally extreme heatwave conditions and this will be challenging for many people this long weekend and into next week."
State-by-State Breakdown
South Australia's Code Red Alert
South Australia has activated a Code Red response as Adelaide prepares for 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday, 36 degrees on Sunday and a scorching 43 degrees on the Australia Day public holiday. The state's northern regions are expected to climb even higher, potentially breaking Australia Day temperature records as regional townships approach 45 degrees Celsius.
Victoria's Hottest Spell in Years
Victoria is bracing for what could be its most intense heatwave in several years, with temperatures forecast to reach the 40s from Saturday. Tuesday is shaping up as the most severe day, with at least one northern town predicted to reach a staggering 48 degrees Celsius - potentially breaking maximum temperature records for the region.
While southern parts of the state may experience brief relief from cool changes on Sunday and again on Tuesday evening, northern regions could endure up to a week of relentless sweltering heat. No significant rainfall is expected for at least two weeks across affected areas.
Bushfire Danger Intensifies
The extreme conditions arrive less than two weeks after catastrophic bushfires burned through more than 400,000 hectares of Victorian land, leaving emergency services on high alert. Authorities warn that the combination of intense heat, wind and dry fuel loads could create dangerously volatile fire conditions throughout the long weekend.
Emergency services in both Victoria and South Australia have surged resources, including additional aircraft, in preparation for what they describe as potentially some of the most dangerous fire weather in recent years. A South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service spokesperson indicated that January 24 is shaping up to be "as serious as it gets", with multiple districts rated catastrophic or extreme.
"Last Sunday we saw the Tooperang fire burn 700 hectares very quickly under high fire danger - the conditions forecast are many times worse," the spokesperson warned.
Community Preparedness Crucial
Authorities have stressed that complacency could prove deadly during this extreme weather event. Residents in high-risk areas are being urged to:
- Review and update their bushfire survival plans
- Check on vulnerable neighbours, especially elderly residents
- Prepare properties and evacuation kits immediately
- Stay informed about changing conditions and warnings
As the heatwave intensifies, Australians across affected regions must take proactive measures to protect themselves, their families and their properties from both the extreme temperatures and elevated fire risks.
