Victoria to swelter through week-long heatwave

Victorians are set swelter through a week-long heatwave, with a run of temperatures above 30C expected across the state.

Young swimmers Henry, 3, and Sofia, 7, are looking forward to more weather. Picture: David Caird

A week-long run of 30-plus degree days is on the cards for most of the state, providing the authentic beach weather Victorians have been crying out for.

There will be something for everyone over the next seven days: a dry weekend for the cricketers, plenty of sun for beachgoers and an unstable air mass for the storm enthusiasts later in the week.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting clear skies until at least Wednesday, with the mercury expected to rise as high as 35C in Melbourne on Monday.

BOM meteorologist Gina Lawrie said there was plenty to look forward to.

“The warm temperatures will continue through the weekend and the early part of next week,” she said.

“We do have a trough of low pressure that we’re expecting to cross the state, bringing showers and thunderstorms across Victoria most likely on Wednesday and Thursday.”

“We are expecting there will be some decent rainfall in the middle of next week.

Victorians sweltered through Friday, with the temperature topping 34C in Warrnambool, Mildura and Dartmoor.

The mercury climbed to 33C in Viewbank, which was the warmest weather recorded in Melbourne.

It comes as lifeguards warn of the potential for a horror weekend with weather conditions heightening the risk of rips developing across Geelong and Surf Coast beaches.

Crowds are expected to flock to the region’s beaches with the mercury tipped to hit 32C on Saturday and Sunday.

Lifeguards have been “extremely busy” this summer with new data revealing they have completed 137 rescues across the Geelong and the Surf Coast since July 1, compared to 118 during the same period the previous year.

Six people died in the region’s waterways last year, with 20 drownings occurring across the state in the second half of 2021.

Life Saving Victoria general manager of life saving services Liam Krige there may be a risk of rips developing at certain beaches in Geelong and Surf Coast this weekend, due to the easterly winds predicted.

He also warned “alcohol and water do not mix”.

“In fact, alcohol and other drugs have been a known factor in about a third of all Victorian drownings during the past decade, so put the drink down until you’ve left the water,” Mr Krige said.

CONCERNING DIP IN CHILD SWIMMING ABILITY

Meanwhile, parents are being urged to keep a close eye on their kids around the water as Victorians prepare to flock to the beaches amid the current heatwave.

Jump! Swim Schools chief executive Mark Collins said cancelled lessons and coastal holidays caused by lockdowns and restrictions had led to a concerning slide in swimming ability.

“The swim skills of many children have dropped – and for parents who haven’t been to the pool or the beach recently with their kids, it may not be apparent yet,” he said.

“Usually, it can take as little as three weeks for a child’s swim skills to drop off – so you can imagine the effect of months without swimming practice.

“Meanwhile, children’s confidence around water tends to remain high as they expect they can swim just like they could last time they were in the water – but this is not always the case.”

Mr Collins said parents should try to be in the water when their kids are, and only swim in areas which are supervised by a lifeguard.

“Being more aware, extra cautious and making the right decisions could save a life this Australia Day.”