Extreme temperatures affecting Australia

Extreme temperatures, including heatwaves, have been occurring across Australia since 9 January. Temperatures have climbed past 40°C in some states. There is a risk that strong winds and forecast thunderstorms could worsen dangers resulting from these heatwaves, including bushfire risks.

Heatwave warnings have been issued for:

• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Northern Territory
• Victoria
• Australian Capital Territory 
• New South Wales

For more information, visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s website.

Bushfires are likely to continue throughout Australia during the summer period. There are currently two large uncontrolled bushfires in Victoria which have the potential to increase in size. Those visiting and living in Victoria are advised by the Country Fire Authority to be on high alert. More information on how to prepare is available on the CFA website.

For more information on keeping yourself safe during heatwaves, visit the Australian Red Cross website for advice. You can also read our advice about what to do during severe weather, including wildfires, on the SafeTravel website.

Affected areas

Details of affected areas, health services, preparedness information, and evacuation centres, can be found at the following sites:

Australian Capital Territory:

• ACT Emergency Services Agency

New South Wales:

• New South Wales Rural Fire Service , 
• New South Wales Government Emergency Management 

Northern Territory:

• NT Department of Environment and Natural Resource

Queensland:

• Queensland Rural Fire Service 
• Queensland Fire & Emergency Services

South Australia:

• South Australian County Fire Service

Victoria:

• Vic Emergency

Western Australia:

• Emergency WA

Points of contact

In the event of an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000).

Any New Zealanders requiring consular assistance should contact the nearest New Zealand High Commission or Consulate General.

New Zealand High Commission Canberra 

Street Address:
 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (visitor entrance on Forster Crescent)

Telephone:
 +61 2 6270 4211

Email:  [email protected] 

New Zealand Consulate-General Sydney

Street Address:
 Level 22, 20 Bond Street, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales

Telephone: +61 2 9270 5900

Email: [email protected] 

New Zealand Consulate-General Melbourne

Street Address:
 Level 4, 45 William Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Telephone:
 +61 3 9678 0201

Email: [email protected] 

New Zealanders requiring urgent consular assistance can call the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.