Victoria braces for heatwave and fire risk not seen since Black Summer
Victoria is bracing for a days-long heatwave of intensity not seen since the 2019-20 Black Summer as emergency services provide an update on the weather and the state’s bushfire preparedness this afternoon.
The heat wave, which is expected to reach 41 degrees in Melbourne on Wednesday, is expected to affect most of Australia.
Firefighters in regional Victoria expect Friday to be the worst day for fire risk.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting the heatwave will reach severe levels across much of northern and eastern Victoria on Thursday and reach extreme levels in the northeast by Friday.
Extreme heat is expected to move upcountry on Saturday but will continue to affect Mallacoota and eastern parts of Victoria on that day.
Mercury will rise to 41 on Wednesday and 38 on Friday in metropolitan Melbourne. The cool change forecast for early Saturday calls for rain and a top temperature of just 23 degrees.
Extreme fire danger is expected in the Wimmera region of western Victoria on Wednesday, and in other parts of Victoria on Thursday and Friday.
Country Fire Authority chief executive Jason Heffernan said on Tuesday he expected a number of total fire bans to be announced throughout the week, particularly on Friday.
“In light of this, we are asking communities to plan their bushfire recovery, know where to get information, download the VicEmergency app and listen to your emergency broadcaster,” he said.
“If you don’t have any plans, the best plan for Friday is to leave early.”
CFA has battled a number of major fires across the state this summer, including major grass fires at Goomalibee in Victoria’s northeast on December 18 and Charlton in the west, which saw hundreds of firefighters deployed and more than 4,400 hectares burned.
PowerCor, the electricity distributor covering Victoria’s north and west, is urging customers to pre-cool their homes before the heat arrives and then keep their air conditioners at 24 degrees “to stay comfortable but not consume too much power”.
“[During high heat] “Turn off and unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as televisions and computers,” the website advises.
