Overview
- Preliminary highs of 48.9C were logged at Hopetoun and Walpeup in Victoria, while Melbourne topped 45C for its hottest day in nearly 17 years.
- An out-of-control bushfire in the Otways near Carlisle River has burned about 10,000 hectares, with doorknocks to roughly 1,100 homes, texts to around 10,000 phones urging residents to leave, and at least three properties destroyed.
- Total fire bans and extreme danger ratings are in place across Victoria and South Australia, with a gusty wind change and possible dry lightning expected to escalate risks later today.
- Australian Open organisers activated extreme-heat protocols, closing main arena roofs, suspending play on outside courts, and postponing wheelchair matches to Wednesday.
- Adelaide recorded its hottest night on record at 34.1C as agencies issued health warnings and prepared for strain on power and transport networks.