Heatwave Warning Issued as Temperatures Soar to 40°C
Victorians are facing extreme weather conditions as a heatwave warning has been issued. Temperatures are expected to soar, reaching up to 40°C in some areas. Residents are urged to act on their bushfire survival plans and stay informed through emergency services.
Heatwave Conditions Across Victoria
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast very hot and dry winds affecting much of Victoria. On Wednesday, temperatures are anticipated to reach:
- 40°C in Mildura
- 39°C in Echuca
- 36°C in Bendigo
- 37°C in parts of Gippsland, accompanied by expected rain in the afternoon and evening
Following the heatwave, there is a substantial drop in temperatures expected on Thursday, with maximums plummeting by as much as 15°C across the state.
Fire Risks and Safety Measures
In light of the rising temperatures, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) has urged residents to implement their bushfire survival plans immediately. The organization has issued a total fire ban, calling attention to the dry conditions in many regions. CFA chief Jason Heffernan emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that fuel sources such as bushland and grasslands remain extremely dry. This situation raises the risk of bushfires in areas not recently impacted by fires.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates through local news and the Bureau of Meteorology, with the next update expected at 5 PM on Wednesday. A cooler, gusty change is expected to arrive in southwestern Victoria by midday, moving to the northeast in the evening.
Current Fire Situations
Several bushfires are currently burning across Victoria, including significant fires at Longwood, Otways, and Walwa, all under control after igniting during a previous heatwave. As of now, only the southwest and east Gippsland regions remain on high fire alert, while the rest of the state gathers strength to combat this heatwave.
Nationwide Weather Developments
In addition to Victoria, other areas of Australia are experiencing severe weather. East of Canberra, isolated thunderstorms pose a flash flooding risk in regions like Nerriga, where significant rainfall was recorded recently. Meanwhile, in Western Australia, residents are recovering from flood damage following the downgrade of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.
In the southern Northern Territory, forecasts of severe thunderstorms are prompting locals to prepare for heavy rain and damaging winds, particularly west and south of Alice Springs.
