Fire and emergency services across the state of Victoria are on high alert, preparing for what forecasters have termed the most dangerous day for bushfires this season. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a stark warning, with catastrophic conditions predicted for parts of the region on Friday.
Heatwave Intensifies Across Southern Australia
A blistering and widespread heatwave, described as the worst since the Black Summer, continues to grip most of Australia. On Thursday, senior meteorologist Sarah Scully confirmed that severe to extreme heatwave warnings were active for every state and territory except Queensland.
"The heat is intensifying right across southern Australia," Scully stated. The scorching temperatures, which saw some areas in Western Australia nudge towards 50C on Wednesday, are expected to extend towards Canberra and New South Wales from Friday.
Maximum temperatures on Thursday were forecast to be a staggering 8-14 degrees Celsius above the January average for northern Victoria, South Australia, and the east and south coast of NSW.
Catastrophic Fire Danger Declared
Firefighters are specifically preparing for extreme to catastrophic fire danger across several regions. The situation is anticipated to reach its peak in the Wimmera and northern districts of Victoria on Friday.
Sarah Scully emphasised the severity, stating Friday would be "the most dangerous day with regards to fires" due to a perilous combination of hot, dry, and windy conditions. Damaging wind gusts of up to 90km/h are expected, significantly increasing the risk of fire spread.
Total fire bans are already in place in the mid-north of South Australia and across Victoria's Mallee, northern, north central, and north-eastern regions, as well as NSW's southern Riverina.
Active Blazes and Community Warnings
Fires are already burning in several states, underscoring the immediate threat. In Victoria, residents affected by a bushfire at Longwood were warned to "leave immediately". The warning applied to numerous surrounding townships including Avenel, Caveat, and Ruffy.
The Hume Freeway was closed in both directions between Seymour and Violet Town due to the fire activity, causing major travel disruption.
Adding to the concern is the potential for thunderstorms and dry lightning across much of Victoria and southern NSW, which could ignite new blazes. These storms may also bring large hail to Victoria's north-eastern ranges.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Recorded
The heatwave has already broken records. On Wednesday, Melbourne experienced its hottest day since 2020, with the mercury climbing to 40.9C. Avalon airport near Geelong hit 43.6C, also a six-year high.
In Victoria's Mallee region, Walpeup reached 45C, while Mildura, Hopetoun and Warracknabeal recorded 44C. Adelaide's northern suburbs saw temperatures in the mid-40s, with Edinburgh hitting 44.6C. Even Tasmania felt the heat, with Ouse reaching 33.9C.
Authorities continue to urge residents in high-risk areas to stay informed, enact their bushfire survival plans, and heed all official warnings as the dangerous conditions develop.
