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Scorching temperatures in state’s north set to be record-breaking

Temperatures have smashed the 40C mark in Melbourne and Victoria as the state swelters through an “exceptional” heatwave. Here’s everything you need to know about Victoria’s weather.

Oliver Caffrey, Carly Waters and Claire Heaney
3 min read
December 18, 2019 - 3:23PM
Firefighters on high alert as extreme heatwave scorches the country

A total fire ban has been escalated to include the entire state of Victoria ahead of potentially record-breaking temperatures tomorrow.

Melbourne is already sweltering as the heatwave hits, with the temperature soaring to 39.2C at 3pm.

It’s already hit 40C at Avalon, Essendon Airport and Laverton.

James Elliott, 24 and Tayla Johnston, 25 with their rescue dog Juddy at Port Melbourne. Picture: Jason Edwards
James Elliott, 24 and Tayla Johnston, 25 with their rescue dog Juddy at Port Melbourne. Picture: Jason Edwards

Walpeup, in the Mallee region, was the hottest part of Victoria, with the temperature measuring 43.3C just before 3pm.

Meanwhile in the Alps, Mt Hotham is the coolest part of mainland Victoria at a pleasant 21.9C.

There will be a brief respite for citydwellers tomorrow, with a high of 23C before Friday fires up to 41C.

FORECAST

Areas in the state’s north will see extraordinary high temperatures for days on end.

The Bureau of Meterology’s preliminary results suggest yesterday was Australia’s hottest day on record at 40.9C, smashing the previous high of 40.3C.

The record for hottest ever December day in Victoria is expected to be broken on Friday.

Mildura is expected to reach 45C tomorrow after today’s 43C belter, before a record-shattering 47C on Friday.

The searing temperature will be combined with dust around Mildura.

Swedes Jessica Bachtiar and Linnea Sandberg lap up the hot weather. Picture: Alex Coppel.
Swedes Jessica Bachtiar and Linnea Sandberg lap up the hot weather. Picture: Alex Coppel.

The current December record is 46.6C, set at Robinvale in 1976.

Victoria’s hottest day on record came on Black Saturday (February 7, 2009) when it got to 48.8C at Hopetoun in the northwest, according to the BOM.

The record mark might be reached in multiple towns, with Swan Hill and Hopetoun also expected to soar to 47C on Friday.

“It’s a pretty exceptional heat event, even for peak summer,” Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Rod Dickson said.

Beachgoers have flocked to St Kilda today. Picture: AAP
Beachgoers have flocked to St Kilda today. Picture: AAP

The city will drop back to 23C tomorrow, but the worst won’t be over.

On Friday, Melbourne will hit 41C before a late cool change makes for comfortable temperatures over the weekend.

Melbourne will receive a cool southerly change at the weekend.

“It will cool down across the north, and most of the state, on the weekend after the cool change comes through on Friday night,” Mr Dickson said.

“But it will still be very hot in Albury-Wodonga on Saturday when it gets to 42C.”

It comes as Victoria yesterday entered the Fire Danger Period in numerous areas of the state.

The Wimmera and Mallee, and Gippsland, have been forecast to experience above-normal bushfire potential over the summer.

Ambulance Victoria’s emergency management director Justin Dunlop said it was important to be mindful of people vulnerable to hot weather.

“We want everyone to be alert to the symptoms of heat-related illnesses which include heat rash, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fainting,” he said.

Mr Dunlop is advising Victorians to keep a close check on children, particularly around water, and never leave kids or pets in cars.

TRANSPORT DELAYS

The hot weather could impact public transport systems around Melbourne.

Metro Trains and Yarra Trams will monitor conditions throughout the day, potentially reducing services and slowing down trains.

While there have been no planned changes yet both authorities are warnings commuters to monitor for announcements.

Country commuters are bracing for lengthy delays today, with V/Line putting in place an extreme heat timetable in the middle of industrial action.

SCHOOLS PREPARE

Lachy (16) and Scarlett (15) have fun at Lake Charm. Picture Jay Town
Lachy (16) and Scarlett (15) have fun at Lake Charm. Picture Jay Town

Contingency plans are being implemented at schools, in consultation with education department policies, to deal with Friday’s heatwave.

Irymple Primary School, 6km from Mildura, is having shorter breaks during the day so school will finish at 1.30pm. It has said that is respects the right of parents to keep their children at home. Children who would normally wait for buses have been told they need to be picked up.

The Australian Education Union has urged teachers to be vigilant for themselves and others, saying that excessive heat can cause issues from skin rashes to dehydration and loss of concentration.

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RACES CANCELLED

The hot weather has forced Racing Victoria to adjust race times for several meetings across the state during the next few days.

Races in Bairnsdale today have been cancelled because of the heat and fire risk in Gippsland.

The meeting was abandoned by stewards after consultation with the BOM, saying smoke haze from nearby bushfires made it unsafe and the conditions were unlikely to improve during the day.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/victorian-summer-set-to-finally-heat-up/news-story/d5f58e2b507e03b6c6e5aeb92f0fde96