Heatwave settles in Victoria, could suspend Australian Open matches

A HEATWAVE is smashing the state with temperatures soaring into the 40s, while Australian Open tennis fans duck for cover. And don’t expect to get a good night’s sleep tonight either.

TEMPERATURES have hit 40C in some parts of the state as a summer heatwave smashes Victoria.

Avalon near Geelong is among the state’s hot spots with temperatures reaching 40.2C at 1pm.

Melbourne tipped over 36C while Geelong was just shy of 40C at 1.40pm.

It’s is also above 40C at several towns in the state’s northwest.

Victorians are sweltering through the second day of the heatwave, leaving many Australian Open fans ducking for cover.

Tennis players may have to spend time on the bench at the tournament if the temperature soars above 40C, the humidity is high and it is deemed too dangerous to play.

Games on the outside court be suspended under the extreme heat policy.

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But before it gets to a critical point, players will be given medical advice, ice towels and extra water to combat the heat.

You’ll need to slip, slop, slap with an extreme UV index until Monday.

There is also total fire ban today in the Mallee, Wimmera and South West today.

The Chief Health Officer has issued a an alert for Central — including Melbourne — and North Central, while south West is above the threshold.

Most parts of the state have also been issued a health alert tomorrow.

Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Stuart Coombs said Victorians should brace for a “pretty uncomfortable night ahead” with the temperature not expected to drop below 20C.

Fans are being sunsmart wearing hats ahead of the hot days. Photo: AFP/ Greg Wood

People will be looking for some relief at the beach. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Mildura will hit 42C today, 44C tomorrow for hovering at 43C over the weekend.

A cool change will sweep through on Friday with the temperature dipping to about 20C overnight.

Saturday will be a humid top of 26C with a possible thundery shower in the afternoon.

The temperature will rise to 29C on Sunday with a risk of thunderstorms in the nearby hills.

Monday will be a sunny 25C before showers creep in on Tuesday for a low of 23C.

The temperature will heat up just before Australia Day with a top of 29C on Wednesday.