AdvertisementEnvironmentClimate changeExtreme weather How the record-breaking ‘heat dome’ enveloped Australia Bianca Hall January 30, 2026 — 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. AdvertisementThe wave of intense heat steadily swept across Australia – particularly inland areas – from the north-west of WA from January 19. By Friday, January 23, that heat was pushing in earnest from the north-west of the country into the interior of Western Australia before moving into parts of South Australia and the Northern Territory. AdvertisementDuring the Australia Day long weekend, extreme heat that started in WA extended across the centre of Australia and towards the eastern seaboard. Renmark, in South Australia, took the dubious honour of being the hottest place in Australia – indeed, in the world – on Tuesday, recording a blistering top of 49.6 degrees.