Key Takeaways
- Severe heatwave expected to hit Victoria, with temperatures above 40 degrees in Melbourne and inland areas
- Extreme fire danger conditions forecast for Victoria’s south-west, Wimmera, and central parts of the state
- Bureau of Meteorology expects near record temperatures in some locations, with a heatwave warning likely to be issued on Friday
- Authorities monitoring several fires across the state, including a fire at Mallacoota in East Gippsland
- Flash flooding possible after the heatwave, with Victorian State Emergency Service warning of localised flooding
Introduction to the Heatwave
The state of Victoria is bracing itself for a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar above 40 degrees in Melbourne and inland areas. The heatwave is forecast to settle over the state in the coming week, with this Saturday and the following Tuesday shaping up to be the hottest days. Authorities are preparing for extreme fire danger conditions, with the Bureau of Meteorology expecting near record temperatures in some locations. Senior meteorologist Kevin Parkin said that a dome of heat is expected to sit over Victoria not just this weekend, but persist well into next week.
Forecast and Temperature Expectations
The temperature is forecast to hit 40 degrees on Saturday in Melbourne, with a south-westerly change expected to bring cooler conditions on Saturday night. However, the scorching conditions are set to return on Tuesday, with some areas potentially recording their highest-ever temperatures. The temperature in Ouyen, near Mildura, could hit 48 degrees on Tuesday, while outer suburbs of Melbourne could hit 44 degrees. Parkin said that it’s an extended period of heat affecting Victoria, with a couple of changes between now and Tuesday, but unfortunately, there is no good news with regard to rainfall.
Fire Danger and Emergency Response
The Country Fire Authority has stopped short of issuing a catastrophic fire rating for the coming heatwave, but authorities are monitoring several fires across the state, including a fire at Mallacoota in East Gippsland. The Longwood fire, which began earlier this month, has been moved to a contained status, but it has done extensive damage, with 434 homes destroyed and over 1000 outbuildings damaged or destroyed. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said that the agricultural losses are still continuing to grow, with over 35,000 cattle and sheep killed by fires so far this summer.
Flash Flooding Warning
While there is no riverine flooding forecast, Victorian State Emergency Service chief operations officer Alistair Drayton said that flash flooding could occur after a hot spell. The warning comes after campers were stunned by floodwaters that swept cars out to sea at popular camping grounds on the Great Ocean Road earlier this month. Drayton said that it’s the localised flooding that they really can’t pick at any one particular point in time, and people should be aware of the risk of flash flooding after the heatwave.
Preparations and Warnings
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting extreme fire danger in Victoria’s south-west and the Wimmera, and possibly in central parts of the state too. Total fire bans will be declared throughout the heatwave, and people are advised to avoid lighting fires where possible. CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said that forecast winds are expected to be weaker than those that swept the state earlier this month when a catastrophic rating was issued. However, people should still be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent fires from starting.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, Victoria is facing a severe heatwave, with extreme fire danger conditions and flash flooding possible. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and advising people to take necessary precautions to stay safe. The heatwave is expected to bring near record temperatures to some locations, and people should be aware of the risks associated with extreme heat and fire danger. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, people can minimize the risks associated with the heatwave and stay safe.
