Victoria is bracing for an extreme and potentially dangerous heatwave this weekend, with temperatures forecast to approach all-time records and authorities warning the conditions could reignite the state’s already devastating fire season.
The Bureau of Meteorology has flagged severe heat across large parts of the state, with temperatures expected to soar above 40°C for several consecutive days. Saturday is forecast to bring 43°C in Mildura and around 40°C in Melbourne, while a brief cool change will offer only temporary relief before the heat intensifies again early next week.
Forecasters warn that by Tuesday, temperatures could climb close to 50°C in parts of north-west Victoria. Ouyen is expected to reach 48°C, while Melbourne’s outer suburbs could see highs of up to 44°C.
Senior Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Kevin Parkyn said many regions were likely to approach their “all-time maximum records,” describing the outlook as particularly concerning for inland areas.
“This is not good news for the north,” Mr Parkyn said. “We could easily see seven days of 40-plus degree temperatures across inland Victoria.”
Emergency services are on high alert, warning that the extreme heat could rapidly worsen fire conditions. Extreme and High Fire Danger Ratings are expected across the long weekend, raising fears that existing fires in areas such as Longwood, Walwa and Wonnangatta could flare up again, while new fires may ignite and spread quickly.
The warning comes after an already destructive fire season, which has destroyed 434 homes and more than 1,000 outbuildings. More than 34,000 livestock have been killed so far, with authorities warning that the toll is likely to rise if conditions deteriorate further.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch urged Victorians to take the heat threat seriously, particularly during the Australia Day long weekend.
“People need to think about the environment they’re going to be in over the next few days,” Mr Wiebusch said. “Plan your activities around the heat, stay hydrated, and take steps to stay cool.”
He also warned those heading to beaches, rivers and lakes to follow safety advice, noting that past long weekends had resulted in preventable tragedies.
The Country Fire Authority is expected to declare Total Fire Ban days during the heatwave. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan called on residents to review their bushfire survival plans and discuss emergency actions with their families.
Victoria Police have also issued water safety warnings, with large crowds expected at coastal and inland waterways. Water Police will conduct increased patrols across Port Phillip Bay, the Mornington Peninsula, the Surf Coast and major inland lakes, amid a sharp rise in boating and jet ski incidents this summer.
Authorities are urging Victorians to remain vigilant, prepared and cautious as the state faces one of its most intense heat events in years.
