Victoria to ring in the new year with heatwave
The mercury has already hit 34C in some parts of the state as Victorians prepare to swelter through a “severe” New Year’s Eve heatwave.
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Victoria’s beachside towns are preparing for a bumper – and scorching – New Year’s Eve as revellers ring in 2022 by the water.
By 11.50am on Thursday, temperatures had already hit 34C in some parts of the state.
The Mallee region recorded the highest temperatures, with Hopetoun Airport hitting 34C by lunchtime, while the mercury at Mildura, Walpeup, Charlton and Swan Hill soared to between 32.4 and 33.1C.
The temperature hit 33.4C in Horsham by 11.50am, 31.2C in Bendigo, 28C in Ballarat and 27C in Melbourne.
And with temperatures set to hit 36C in Melbourne and 35C across the Mornington Peninsula on New Year’s Eve, authorities are warning people to be careful with the dangerous combination of heat, booze and illegal fireworks.
It’s not just Melbourne’s traditional summer playground expecting a roasting this New Year’s Eve.
Mildura and Swan Hill in the state’s north will reach 39C on Friday before soaring to 41C on Saturday and Sunday.
Echuca will top 38C on Friday, 39C on New Year’s Day and then a scorching 40C on Sunday.
Out west, Horsham is predicted to reach 39C both days, while the mercury is expected to hit 40C in Nhill.
Shepparton is also tipped to top 40C at the weekend, while Bendigo will reach 39C on Sunday.
Those seeking cooler weather would be advised to venture towards the state’s southwest, with Warrnambool forecast to hit 32C on Friday, before dropping to 26C degrees on New Year’s Day and then just 23C on Sunday.
A burst of heat over New Year's with Severe Heatwave conditions across #Victoria@VicGovDH has issued a Heat Health Alert for the Central district, including #Melbourne
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) December 29, 2021
Heat kills more Australians than any natural disaster
Find out more: https://t.co/XwNgMfuP8kpic.twitter.com/gw3xbo6WW3
Life Saving Victoria state agency commander Kane Treloar urged people looking to cool off to be watchful.
“While the new year is a time for celebration, we also want to remind you that alcohol and water do not mix. If you’re planning on drinking this new year, please only do so after you have finished enjoying the water,’’ Mr Treloar said.
Victorians are also being reminded not to stage their own fireworks displays, with firefighters forced to respond to 163 firework-related incidents in the past five years.
Alcohol is prohibited on popular St Kilda beach from November 1 to March 31 each year, with tougher bans in place for New Year’s Eve.
Revellers are forbidden from drinking – or holding an open container of alcohol — anywhere in the municipality from 8pm on December 30 until noon on January 2.
Sealed or packaged alcoholic beverages are also banned along the entire foreshore from 9am on December 30 until 9am on January 1.
Meanwhile, Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh urged people to look out for one another, as they soaked up the sun in style.
He said last month’s safe but celebratory Rye schoolies festival “gives us confidence to start imagining what 2022 New Year’s Eve might look like on the Peninsula”.
“We’re all looking forward to celebrating the end of 2021 and better times ahead,’’ he said.
Asimo Dais is among those who have flocked with family and friends to campgrounds along Rosebud foreshore to welcome the new year.
“We’re partying, food and drinks will be flowing all evening until the wee hours and then a few people head down to the beach because there’s usually fireworks,” she said. “It’s absolutely serene, the sunsets, the beach ... Your brain just switches off and you don’t know what day it is. It’s very relaxing.”
It’s the 10th year in a row the family has camped at the foreshore over the festive period and Ms Dais said their new year tradition won’t change anytime soon.
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