Canberra Prepares for Scorching Heat as BOM Issues Severe Warning
Residents of the Australian Capital Territory are being urged to brace for potentially record-breaking temperatures this week, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting what could be Canberra's second-hottest January day since 1939. According to the latest predictions, the mercury is expected to soar to a stifling 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Heatwave Conditions Set to Intensify Across the Territory
In a long-weekend weather update, the BOM has extended an existing severe heatwave warning for the ACT through to Wednesday. The warning indicates that the heatwave is expected to intensify significantly during the week, with locations likely to be affected including Belconnen, Tuggeranong, and Woden Valley. Senior meteorologist Kristy Johnson emphasised that if the maximum temperature reaches 42 degrees on Wednesday, it would be just two degrees cooler than the ACT's hottest day on record, which occurred on January 4, 2020, during the devastating Black Summer bushfires.
The forecast outlines a progressive increase in temperatures:
- Monday: A maximum of 33 degrees Celsius
- Tuesday: Climbing to 36 degrees Celsius
- Wednesday: Peaking at 42 degrees Celsius mid-afternoon
- Thursday: Slightly easing to 35 degrees Celsius
- Friday: Increasing again to 38 degrees Celsius
- Saturday: Reaching 39 degrees Celsius
Ms Johnson noted that this "very hot week" could potentially lead to the severe heatwave alert being upgraded to an extreme level warning. "There is some indication, particularly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, that we might see it reaching that extreme heatwave criteria - very hot days, hot nights extended over a few days," she explained.
Multiple Factors Contributing to Extreme Weather Event
The senior meteorologist highlighted several meteorological factors converging to create this prolonged and intense heatwave. A marine heatwave with unusually warm ocean temperatures surrounding Australia is contributing significantly to the atmospheric conditions. Additionally, heat that built up over parts of Western Australia last week, where temperatures approached 50 degrees, has been dragged eastwards by a trough sitting off the coast of Perth, affecting the entire south-east of the continent.
"We haven't had much cloud over much of northern Australia which has really allowed the heat to build up. At this time of year, we usually get a bit more cloud from monsoon activity," Ms Johnson added, explaining the unusual atmospheric conditions.
Public Health and Safety Concerns Mount
With a high fire danger rating in place until Wednesday and no chance of rain until the weekend when partly cloudy conditions are expected to develop, authorities are expressing serious concerns about public safety. Ms Johnson urged Canberrans to take the bureau's heatwave warnings seriously, stay hydrated, look after themselves and vulnerable community members, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.
This warning follows a recent public alert from ACT police who rescued two dogs from a hot vehicle in Tuggeranong last week. The senior meteorologist emphasised that heatwaves are associated with numerous negative impacts beyond direct heat exposure. "It really affects people's decision-making. After a few days of poor sleep and struggling to stay cool, people tend to make poor decisions," she cautioned.
Broader Climate Context and Historical Comparisons
The forecast comes against a backdrop of increasing climate concerns nationally. Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment, published in September 2025, indicated more frequent and severe events like fires, floods, and cyclones. The assessment also found that heatwaves may lead to more heat-related deaths across the country.
Interestingly, January 28 marks a significant date in Canberra's recent weather history, as it was also the city's hottest day last year when temperatures reached 37.5 degrees Celsius. The ACT's average maximum temperature for January typically sits around 29 degrees, making this week's forecast particularly extreme by comparison.
As the capital prepares for this intense heatwave, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and urge residents to implement appropriate heat safety measures throughout the coming days.
