A comprehensive total fire ban has been enforced across much of Victoria as the state grapples with a severe heatwave, marking the most intense conditions since the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch has described the situation as a very serious set of weather conditions, with extreme fire danger prevailing due to strengthening westerly winds and scorching temperatures in the northern regions.
Out-of-Control Bushfires Threaten Communities
On Sunday, emergency warnings were issued for residents in the small town of Gellibrand, urging them to take shelter as an out-of-control bushfire approached. This fire, originating in the Otways region on 10 January, had been contained until Saturday when temperatures soared above 40°C, causing it to breach containment lines at Carlisle River. Forest Fire Management Victoria's chief fire officer, Chris Hardman, attributed this escalation to the dangerous combination of wind and extreme heat.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Forecast
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Tuesday is a particular day of concern, with potentially record-breaking temperatures expected, especially in western parts of Victoria. Some areas in the north and west are anticipating seven consecutive days over 40°C, with Mildura forecast to peak at 48°C on Tuesday and 46°C on Friday. Other locations, such as Hopetoun and Walpeup, could reach 48°C, while Hamilton and Horsham may see 46°C and 47°C respectively. Melbourne is also set to experience extreme heat, with a forecast high of 43°C on Tuesday.
Multiple Fires and Air Quality Concerns
As of Sunday, six fires were burning across Victoria, with four remaining out of control. The smoke from the Carlisle River fire has led to an air quality warning for Geelong, Melbourne, and surrounding areas, with the haze expected to move north and potentially affect Ballarat later in the day. In the north-east, a fire near Walwa, which has been uncontrolled for over two weeks, continues to threaten areas east of Albury and is predicted to worsen with the impending extreme heatwave.
Health Warnings and Broader Impact
Ambulance Victoria has issued stark warnings about the dangers of hot cars and extreme heat on human health, reporting an extraordinary 11 cases of children left in hot cars on Saturday alone. Dale Armstrong emphasised that temperatures inside vehicles can double and become deadly within minutes. Beyond Victoria, South Australia is also experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures peaking at nearly 48°C in Port Augusta and Tarcool on Saturday, and Adelaide forecast to hit 45°C on Monday.
National Weather Patterns
Across Australia, Sydney is forecast to reach 34°C on Sunday, with temperatures in New South Wales expected to spike again midweek, particularly affecting the Riverina, central west, and north. In contrast, Hobart will see milder conditions at 20°C, while Perth expects 26°C. Brisbane is looking at 35°C on Sunday and 37°C on Monday, with possible storms, and Darwin will maintain its typical wet-season pattern with 32°C and storms. According to the latest long-range forecast, hotter than average days and nights are likely to persist until April for much of the country.
