Australia’s Worst Heatwave Since ‘Black Summer’ Attributed to Climate Change

In Brief

Scientists say the intense early-2026 Australian heatwave—the hottest since the 2019-20 “Black Summer”—was made at least five times more likely by human-induced climate change. The extreme heat affected major cities and worsened bushfire conditions across multiple states, highlighting growing global climate risk.

A new climate analysis reveals that Australia’s severe heatwave this month, which saw temperatures above 40°C in parts of Victoria and New South Wales, was significantly influenced by human-caused global warming. Researchers estimate climate change made the event at least five times more probable.

The heatwave also contributed to widespread bushfires, burning hundreds of thousands of hectares and destroying hundreds of buildings. Scientists warn similar intense events could become more frequent as global temperatures continue to rise.