Inland regions of southeastern Australia are bracing for the continuation of heatwave conditions, while coastal cities enjoy a temporary respite following record-high temperatures.

Residents of Renmark in South Australia’s Riverland region experienced unprecedented heat on Tuesday, with temperatures soaring to a record 49.6°C. Meanwhile, Victoria also set a new heat record as Walpeup in the state’s north reached 48.9°C.

While cooler weather is anticipated across much of Victoria on Wednesday, the heatwave affecting inland areas is expected to persist.

According to senior meteorologist Dean Narramore, hot air masses are moving into northwestern New South Wales and Queensland, heightening the risk of extreme fire danger and bringing another day of oppressive heat.

Mildura, located in Victoria’s Mallee region, remains entrenched in the heat, with temperatures forecasted to stay in the 40s until at least Sunday.

“We anticipate another four days of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, with overnight lows in the mid-20s in the state’s north,” stated emergency management commissioner Tim Wiebusch.

An extreme heatwave warning remains in place for several regions on Wednesday, including the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland and North Central regions.

Heatwave warnings

Victorian chief health officer Caroline McElnay said severe heatwave conditions are dangerous for many vulnerable people in the community.

“It can cause potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but it can also trigger events like heart attacks or stroke,” McElnay told reporters on Tuesday.

“Please take steps to protect yourself and others by keeping cool. Stay hydrated. Plan ahead to avoid the heat and check in with others.”

Melburnians will experience a top of 24C on Wednesday, while residents living in Adelaide will see a high of 30C.

Record breaking heat

It’s a far cry from conditions experienced just 24 hours earlier, with Melbourne recording a top of 42C, a few degrees short of its record high of 46.4C set on 7 February 2009.

Mildura hit a top of 48.6C, marking its hottest day on record, while the nearby towns of Hopetoun and Ouyen climbed to a scorching 48.9C.

Records were broken on Monday in Adelaide where the temperature reached 44.7C, exceeding the city’s previous Australia Day heat record set in 2006.

Ceduna, northwest of the SA capital, climbed to 49C, surpassing its previous record, while NSW town Dubbo reached 46.1C to record its hottest January day.

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