Wagga hits 41°C for first time in almost six years as heatwave bites

PARTS of the Riverina have endured their hottest day in almost six years, as a severe heatwave grips the region ahead of a forecast change expected to bring showers and thunderstorms.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Wagga Airport recorded a maximum temperature of 41.3 degrees Celsius at 3.31pm on Thursday, December 18.

It was the highest temperature recorded at the site since February 1, 2020, when the mercury peaked at 43.8 degrees.

In the almost six years since, daytime temperatures at Wagga Airport have reached 40 degrees or higher on just four occasions. Those included once in November 2020, when the temperature hit 40.3 degrees, and once in January 2021, when it reached 40.4 degrees.

A prolonged three-year gap followed before the streak was broken on January 24, 2024, with a high of 40.8 degrees. The most recent 40-degree day prior to Thursday was recorded in January 2025, when temperatures reached 40.1 degrees.

Thursday’s extreme heat also marks the first time since 2020 that Wagga has recorded two or more 40-degree days within the same calendar year.

In contrast to recent years, no 40-degree days were recorded at Wagga Airport for 1,094 consecutive days between January 25, 2021, and January 24, 2024.

That run stands in stark contrast to 2019, when a record-breaking 19 days at or above 40 degrees were recorded at the airport.

TOP TEMPERATURES

Thursday, December 18, 2025

• 43.5 – Hay Airport (4.15pm)
• 42.0 – Narrandera (4.35pm)
• 41.9 – Kapooka (4.25pm)
• 41.9 – Griffith (3.48pm)
• 41.3 – Wagga Airport (3.31pm)
• 40.7 – Albury (3.44pm)
• 40.4 – Temora (3.48pm)

STORMS LOOM

Maximum temperatures for Friday are forecast to again push into the low 40s, with Wagga and Narrandera expected to reach 41 degrees.

Tumut and Gundagai are forecast to top out at 40°C, while Junee and Temora are expected to reach 39 and Cootamundra 38.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the heat is expected to ease as a change moves through the region, with showers and thunderstorms expected to develop during the afternoon and evening.

Showers and possible storms are forecast to linger across the Riverina through the weekend, bringing a gradual drop in daytime temperatures.

By Monday, maximums are expected to fall sharply, with Wagga forecast to reach just 26°C, offering welcome relief after several days of oppressive heat.

Residents are being urged to stay informed of changing weather conditions, particularly during thunderstorm activity, and to take precautions during periods of extreme heat.

• A heatwave warning is current for the Riverina. Read it in full here.
• For tips on how to beat the heat, click here.
• For information on how to identify and treat heat-related illness, click here.
• To check the Fire Danger Rating for your area, click here.