Key Takeaways
- A heatwave is expected to affect Victoria over the long weekend, with temperatures reaching above 40 degrees in some areas.
- A total fire ban has been declared for Victoria on Saturday, January 24, due to the increased fire risk.
- Melbourne is forecast to reach a top of 40 degrees on Saturday, before dropping to 24 on Sunday and soaring to 41 on Tuesday.
- A low-pressure system is forming near flood-hit Queensland, with a moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the weekend.
- Flood warnings are in place in parts of Queensland, which experienced destructive flooding just weeks ago.
Introduction to the Heatwave
A heatwave is set to blanket Victoria over the long weekend, with temperatures expected to soar well above 40 degrees in some parts of the state. The worst of the heatwave is forecast for Tuesday, with some areas in the state’s north expected to break maximum temperature records. Mildura, a town in northern Victoria, is forecast to reach a scorching 48 degrees on Tuesday, which would be the highest temperature ever recorded in the town. The current record stands at 47.2 degrees, which was set in 1939.
Fire Risk and Total Fire Ban
The hot and dry conditions brought by the heatwave will also mean an increased fire risk across Victoria, which is still reeling from devastating bushfires that destroyed hundreds of homes just weeks ago. As a result, a total fire ban has been declared for the entire state on Saturday, January 24. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has warned that the fire risk will be extreme in some areas, including Wimmera and South West Victoria, which face extreme fire danger on Saturday. North East Victoria is predicted to experience the same risk on Sunday. Victorians are being urged to have a bushfire plan in place and to monitor the VicEmergency app for updates.
Weather Forecast for Melbourne
Melbourne is forecast to reach a top of 40 degrees on Saturday, before dropping to 24 on Sunday and soaring to 41 on Tuesday. The temperature fluctuations will bring little relief to residents, who are bracing for a hot and dry weekend. The heatwave is expected to peak on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching extreme highs in some parts of the state. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the heatwave will bring increased fire risk, and residents are being urged to take precautions to stay safe.
Tropical Low in Queensland
Meanwhile, in Queensland, a low-pressure system is forming off the state’s north-west coast, bringing the potential for wild weather. The tropical low has a moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the weekend, and residents in north Queensland and eastern Northern Territory are being warned to monitor for updates. Another low lies in the Coral Sea off Queensland’s north-west coast, but it is unlikely to become a tropical cyclone and is expected to remain offshore. Flood warnings are also in place in parts of the state, which experienced destructive flooding just weeks ago.
Flood Warnings in Queensland
Moderate flood warnings have been issued for Bedourie and Windorah from Sunday, and Glengyle from early next week. A minor flood warning is also in effect for the Sutton River. The flood warnings come as no surprise, given the recent flooding that affected the state. Residents are being urged to stay vigilant and to monitor the weather forecast for updates. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that the tropical low could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, which could exacerbate the flood risk.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the heatwave and tropical low are bringing significant weather risks to Victoria and Queensland. Residents are being urged to take precautions to stay safe, including having a bushfire plan in place and monitoring the weather forecast for updates. The heatwave is expected to peak on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching extreme highs in some parts of Victoria. Meanwhile, the tropical low in Queensland has the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone, bringing wild weather to the state. With no rain forecast for Victoria in the next two weeks, the ongoing fire risk is significant, and residents are being warned to remain vigilant.