Victoria is bracing for extreme heat as temperatures are set to soar to nearly 50 degrees Celsius, potentially breaking the state’s heat records. This significant temperature rise follows a smoky weekend where Melbourne was affected by smoke from a bushfire burning in the Otways. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch indicated that northern Victoria could face seven consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, marking a severe heatwave not seen in nearly 20 years since the disastrous Black Saturday in 2009.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that Ouyen, located in the far northwest of the state, could reach a scorching 49 degrees on Tuesday, which would establish a new Victorian temperature record. Neighboring towns, Hopetoun and Walpeup, are also expected to hit temperatures of 48 degrees; both are on track to possibly set all-time highs.
As firefighters combat the Carlisle River fire in the Otways, which has breached containment lines and threatened local communities, air quality alerts have been issued for Melbourne and surrounding areas. The oppressive haze from the fire is expected to exacerbate respiratory issues for those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, prompting health officials to advise caution, especially for vulnerable populations.
On Sunday, Melbourne experienced a temporary reprieve with a maximum temperature of 25 degrees, but this respite will be short-lived as extreme heat returns on Tuesday. The Environment Protection Agency initially reported fair air quality which quickly deteriorated to very poor due to smoke from the ongoing fires.
Fire Chief Chris Hardman has noted that conditions could lead to rapid fire spread due to the high temperatures and unstable atmosphere. Although firefighters have made progress, the fire activity remains a concern with ongoing challenges anticipated in the coming weeks, particularly for the Walwa fire in northeastern Victoria, which has grown to over 100,000 hectares.
Currently, a total fire ban is in effect across multiple fire districts in Victoria, and the summer season has already seen over 1,000 structures impacted by bushfires, including 289 homes. The Longwood fire in central Victoria, although now contained, has left a mark on the community.
As temperatures soared on Saturday, paramedics responded to multiple incidents involving children left in hot cars, highlighting the need for awareness of heat-related risks. Ambulance Victoria officials have issued warnings urging residents, especially those most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and pregnant women—to take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Victoria stands at a critical juncture as it faces a challenging summer marked by extreme weather conditions. The unfolding situation calls for vigilance and collective action to ensure safety and preparedness in the face of potential calamities linked to heat and fire.