Sizzling start to summer before temps plunge

Soaring temperatures are set to mark the start of summer, with parts of the state to hit 37C this weekend before the mercury drops again.

Ethan is ready for a safe summer overlooked by Surf Life Savers Jess and Jack. Picture: Jason Edwards

Victorians can temporarily pack away their winter woollies with sweltering conditions set to mark the first few days of summer for much of the state.

While cloudy conditions bringing a high of 19C was expected across Melbourne on Thursday, areas near Mildura would face a maximum of 29C.

This was only the beginning for much of the state, according to Sky News forecaster Cam Blake, who said temperatures would continue to climb later into the week.

“We’re starting to see that little warming trend get going in Melbourne,” he said.

“We’re finally seeing some warmth. We didn’t get to 30 at all during spring this year.”

Across Melbourne, the mercury is tipped to reach a pleasant 29C and above for both Saturday and Sunday while the state’s far north would cop highs of 35C and 37C.

Victoria is set to swelter through the first few days of summer. Picture: Ian Currie

Cooler conditions would, however, return early next week and remain for much of summer.

“We will be seeing a change at the start of next week, with a trough that will bring down the temperatures a little bit on Monday, but more so into Tuesday,” BOM’s Morgan Pumpa said.

“We do see the chance of showers returning, especially for the south too.”

According to The Bureau of Meterology’s summer outlook, predicted rainfall levels from December to February were likely to be above average.

Parts of Victoria were also tipped to experience cooler than average temperatures as La Nina lingers for a third consecutive year.

Ms Pumpa told the Herald Sun soaring temperatures over coming days would bump the UV index up to high and extreme over coming days for much of the state.

“Although we’re expecting sunny skies, there are still some impacts to roads from previous flood events, so we urge anyone to consider those when travelling,” she said.

According to the state’s Environment Protection Agency some beaches surrounding Port Phillip Bay were still experiencing poor water quality after October’s flood emergency.

Swimming at beaches near Mornington and Frankston Surf Life Saving Club was not recommended with water quality deemed poor due to recent stormwater pollution.

Santa Casa beach near Queenscliff, Portsea and St Leonard’s beach near Geelong have reported good water quality that is suitable for swimming.

All other beaches are considered to be fair in water quality and may not be suitable for swimming.