The severe heatwave that gripped south-eastern Australia in early January was made five times more likely due to human-caused climate change, according to new analysis by international research group World Weather Attribution.
The multi-day heatwave, the most intense in the region since the Black Summer fires of 2019–20, saw temperatures soar above 40 degrees across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. The extreme conditions contributed to dangerous fire activity, destroying hundreds of homes in Victoria and claiming one life.
Researchers examined maximum temperatures recorded between January 7 and 9 and found that events of this severity, once expected around four times per century, are now likely to occur about once every five years.
Australian National University climate scientist Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick said heatwaves were becoming increasingly common, placing growing strain on health systems, infrastructure and ecosystems.
With another heatwave forecast for parts of the south-east, experts warn that extreme heat is no longer rare and will continue to intensify unless emissions are reduced and communities adapt to rising risks.