A severe heatwave continues to scorch south-eastern Australia. On Wednesday, temperatures soared to record levels. In Wilcannia, NSW, the temperature reached 45.4°C by midday, with forecasts of up to 48°C. Bourke saw 41.3°C, expected to rise to 47°C. Ivanhoe could also hit 48°C. Far south-western Queensland's Thargomindah is forecast to reach 49°C, near Queensland’s all-time record of 49.5°C set in Birdsville in 1972. South Australia’s Leigh Creek recorded 43.2°C, while Coober Pedy climbed from 40.2°C at midday to a forecast 45°C. In Victoria, temperatures broke records with 48.9°C in Walpeup and Hopetoun, surpassing a 2009 record by 0.1°C. Ouyen is expected to reach 49°C, potentially setting a new state record. Renmark in South Australia hit 49.6°C, marking its hottest day. NSW’s Fowlers Gap reached a local record of 49.1°C, and Pooncarie hit 49.7°C, tying as the second-highest temperature in NSW history. Senior meteorologist Angus Hines said, “Lots of records across western Victoria, eastern South Australia and western NSW were reached and exceeded.” The heat is shifting north, affecting far western NSW, southern and western Queensland, and Victoria’s far north-east. Temperatures of 44-47°C are expected in NSW Riverina towns like Hay, Wagga Wagga, and Deniliquin. Canberra’s forecast tops at 42°C. Meanwhile, fires continue to rage in Victoria. Gellibrand residents were warned their water treatment plant is damaged and unable to supply safe drinking water by early Wednesday. VicEmergency reported that the Carlisle River fire spread past containment lines, now covering more than 11,000 hectares. Authorities are planning alternative water supplies for Gellibrand. Australia is facing its second major heatwave this January. Experts say climate change has made such events five times more likely. The crisis is fueling extreme heat and fire disasters. The heatwave and warmer sea temperatures are expected to continue until at least April.