Dry Lightning Warnings as Much of Australia Braces for Extreme Heat

The ongoing heatwave could evaporate rainfall from incoming storms, heightening the risk of dry lightning and dangerous winds, the Bureau of Meteorology warns.

A bushfire burning near Longwood, northern Victoria on Jan. 7, 2026. Firefighters warned millions of Australians of "catastrophic" bushfire dangers on Jan. 8 as they battled multiple blazes stoked by a heatwave blanketing the country. Kylie Shingles/CFA Wandong Fire Brigade/AFP via Getty Images

Severe heat warnings have been issued around most of Australia, as the Bureau of Meteorology predicts extreme temperatures, risk of dry lightning, and strong winds across South-Eastern Australia.

The warnings come as residents of the Victorian town of Longwood were directed to leave amid intensifying fire conditions.