Travellers urged to monitor conditions as temperatures surge into the 40s
Extreme heat across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales is significantly lifting bushfire risk for campers and caravanners, with heatwave conditions forecast to intensify across the region. Extreme heat bushfire risk for campers must be carefully monitored.
Bureau of Meteorology forecasts show maximum temperatures climbing into the low to mid-40s, creating elevated fire danger for campers travelling through regional and bushland areas during the current heat event.
Emergency services are urging travellers to stay alert, review plans regularly and be prepared to change course as extreme heat and bushfire risk increase. Campers should remain cautious during extreme heat as it heightens bushfire risk and affects campers and caravanners significantly.
Where temperatures are peaking
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, forecast maximum temperatures include:
- Adelaide: High 30s before a cooler change
- Melbourne: Forecast to reach 43°C later in the week
- Western Sydney: Low 40s expected during peak heat days
These heatwave conditions are coinciding with elevated bushfire danger ratings, increasing the likelihood of fire restrictions and access changes in parks and reserves used by campers. Campers face extreme bushfire risk during the heatwave conditions.
Why this matters for campers and caravanners
Extreme heat significantly increases risk for people travelling and camping outdoors, particularly in forested and grassland areas.
For campers and caravanners, bushfire risk during extreme heat can mean:
- Fire restrictions introduced or expanded at short notice
- Rapid fire spread in dry grassland and forest areas
- Heat stress and dehydration, particularly for children, older travellers and pets
- Temporary park closures or restricted access
- Longer emergency response times in remote locations
Even if a campground remains open, fire danger for campers can escalate quickly as temperatures and winds increase. This emphasizes the extreme heat bushfire risk for outdoors enthusiasts such as campers.
What travellers should do now
What travellers should do during extreme heat
Authorities recommend that anyone travelling through affected regions during extreme heat:
- Check Bureau of Meteorology forecasts daily
- Monitor state fire authority updates before and during travel
- Avoid remote or bushland camping during peak heat days if possible
- Fire restrictions can vary by location and may change during the day.
- Carry extra drinking water and plan for heat management
- Know the nearest sealed road or town in case conditions worsen
Fire danger ratings and restrictions can change during the day, particularly during extreme heat events that elevate bushfire risk for campers. Campers experience heightened bushfire risks due to extreme heat events.
Heat trend: forecast maximum temperatures
The forecast below shows expected maximum temperatures for Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, based on Bureau of Meteorology forecasts issued 7 January 2026, highlighting the heatwave conditions contributing to bushfire risk. Conditions may change, always check the latest BoM forecast and local fire authority warnings before travelling or camping.
Conditions remain under review
Fire and emergency agencies remain on high alert as the heatwave continues, with forecasts reviewed daily.
Travellers are advised to stay flexible with plans, prioritise safety, and remain aware of bushfire risk associated with extreme heat when heading into regional or bushland areas. In particular, extreme heat bushfire risk is heightened for campers and caravanners.
