Residents across Victoria are enduring a severe heatwave that threatens to shatter historical temperature records, while simultaneously grappling with dangerous bushfires that have already compelled the evacuation of more than a thousand homes. The extreme conditions are creating a dual crisis of fire and heat across the state and neighbouring regions.
Unprecedented Temperatures Forecast
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued stark warnings that the current heatwave could break multiple records. Melbourne is bracing for its hottest day since the catastrophic Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, with a maximum temperature of 44°C anticipated. However, the most extreme readings are expected further north.
Mildura, in Victoria's far north, is forecast to reach a scorching 49°C, while Broken Hill in New South Wales is predicted to hit 47°C. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore indicated that if Mildura reaches this peak, it would become the hottest temperature ever recorded in Victoria.
'Pretty much all observation points near the SA and Victorian border are either approaching or likely to exceed January records and a few locations could also break their all-time records,' Mr Narramore stated.
Records Already Tumbling
The heatwave's intensity was demonstrated on Monday when several locations registered record-breaking temperatures:
- Adelaide reached 44.7°C, surpassing its previous Australia Day heat record set in 2006.
- Ceduna, northwest of the capital, climbed to 49°C, exceeding its previous highest temperature.
- Dubbo in New South Wales recorded 46.1°C, setting a new January heat record for the town.
Bushfire Emergency Unfolds
As temperatures soar, bushfires continue to burn out of control under challenging conditions. A total fire ban remains in place for both Victoria and South Australia as authorities battle multiple blazes.
In the Cape Otway region, residents received evacuation orders on Monday due to bushfires near the Carlisle River and Gellibrand, southeast of Melbourne. Police and State Emergency Service personnel door-knocked at least 1100 properties, delivering a clear message: 'Don't wait for police, the message is to leave today.'
A blaze that jumped containment lines at Carlisle River on Saturday continues to threaten the small community of Gellibrand, with unconfirmed reports of property losses within the fire grounds.
Authorities Issue Grave Warnings
Deputy incident controller Alistair Drayton expressed serious concerns about Tuesday's conditions, particularly the forecast gusty southwesterly winds expected to hit Melbourne in the afternoon.
'The conditions tomorrow mean the fire could spread quickly and unpredictably,' he warned on Monday. 'We strongly recommend people in affected areas enact their bushfire plan, and leave early to protect themselves and their families.'
The affected areas span numerous communities including Aire Valley, Barongarook, Barramunga, Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Forrest, Gellibrand, Lavers Hill, Simpson, and multiple other locations.
Heatwave Extends Across Multiple States
The extreme conditions are not confined to Victoria. Severe heatwave warnings have been issued across multiple regions:
New South Wales: Warnings cover the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Northern Tablelands, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, Riverina and Lower Western. Locations impacted include Armidale, Albury, Broken Hill, Bourke, Dubbo, Deniliquin, Moree, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
South Australia: Severe warnings remain for Adelaide, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Upper South East, Riverland, Murraylands, Mid North, Flinders, West Coast, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, North West Pastoral, North East Pastoral and Mount Lofty Ranges.
Australian Capital Territory: Areas likely to be impacted include Canberra, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Woden Valley.
Public Health Concerns Emerge
The dangerous heat has already led to concerning incidents, with paramedics responding to 11 cases of children locked in cars over the weekend as temperatures soared into the 40s in Victoria. Ambulance Victoria has issued urgent appeals to the community, urging people never to leave children, pets or older people unattended in vehicles during extreme heat.
Weather Outlook and Relief
A cooler change is expected to begin moving through Victoria on Wednesday, although inland parts of the southeast may not experience significant relief. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that gusty southwesterly winds will hit Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon, with a risk of thunderstorms producing dry lightning that could exacerbate fire conditions.
The bureau's website notes that 'severe to extreme heatwave conditions are expected to persist through this week before easing next weekend' across affected regions.
As communities brace for continued extreme conditions, authorities emphasise the importance of heeding evacuation orders and taking precautions against both fire danger and heat-related health risks.
