City braces for scorching heat as mercury to hit 42 degrees

It’ll be a blistering end to the week for Victorians, with Melbourne to pass 40C tomorrow. Emergency services are on high alert as the risk of fire increases with Friday’s predicted dry blustery conditions.

Melbourne is gearing up for a blistering 40C-plus end to the week.

A sunny 28C is expected on Thursday, and forecast to soar to a scorching 42C on Friday. Should the mercury reach that level, it would be the hottest day in almost a year.

A total fire ban has been declared for tomorrow — the first statewide ban this summer.

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Emergency services will be on high alert as dry, blustery conditions increase fire risks.

Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp said firefighters had battled 700 grass and shrub fires in Victoria in the past month.

A sunny 28C expected on Thursday is forecast to soar to a scorching 42C on Friday. Picture: AAP

“Our firefighters on the ground and helicopters in the air are rounding up the fires really quickly,” Mr Crisp said.

“People should have their fire plans ready to go by now and they need to be prepared to enact them.

“If you’re seeing smoke and flames it’s too late,” he said.

Air tankers in NSW will also be brought nearer to the border to prepare for tomorrow’s extreme heat.

“We’re getting to the serious end of things now,” Mr Crisp said.

Authorities have also once again reminded parents to never leave children or pets in hot cars following a number of such incidents this summer.

Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp said firefighters had battled 700 grass and shrub fires in Victoria in the past month. Picture: AFP

And people heading to beaches and waterways to cool off are being urged to check conditions before going in.

“It’s a bit of common sense — if there’s no one swimming in that area, there’s probably a reason for it,” Mr Crisp said.

The weather bureau’s Dean Stewart said the weekend would bring some welcome relief from the heat.

A change is expected to reach Melbourne late on Saturday afternoon as temperatures drop into the mid-20s.

“The mercury could drop up to 15C in an hour as the change hits,” he said.

Light showers should follow the cool front on Saturday.

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