General News
7 March, 2024
Maryborough in for a scorcher
After sweltering through a summer that’s on track to become Australia’s third warmest on record, Victoria is in for a toasty autumn — with this weekend’s temperatures forecast to be in the mid to high 30s. According to the Bureau of...
After sweltering through a summer that’s on track to become Australia’s third warmest on record, Victoria is in for a toasty autumn — with this weekend’s temperatures forecast to be in the mid to high 30s.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) long-range forecast, most of Australia has at least an 80 percent chance of above average temperatures this autumn, while an up to 75 percent chance of below average rainfall is also forecast.
These forecasts are equally true for Victoria and the Central Goldfields, with locals enduring 13 days where the mercury measured in above 30 degrees.
While this heat doesn’t hold a candle to 2009’s record high of 45.4 degrees in February, it does signal to more warmer weather on the horizon — including the coming Labour Day long weekend’s three-day scorcher.
According to the BoM, residents can expect to see the mercury reach 39° tomorrow and Sunday, as well as 38° on Monday before temperatures cool to around 32° on Tuesday.
While most of the country is expected to have typical fire potential during autumn, according to both long-range forecasts from the BoM and the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn 2024, CFA are urging locals and visitors to the region alike to be prepared for fire ahead of the weekend.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said recent fires across the Grampians, Beaufort and Dereel serve as a reminder the fire season is not over.
“While the recent bushfires have been contained by our incredible firefighters, fire risk will continue to linger over the coming months,” he said.
“With the lack of recent rain, fuel loads in our drier forested areas will increase, and our greener grasslands will continue to dry out.
“We know there is a slightly elevated chance of a drier than usual autumn, and we’re already seeing that this weekend with temperatures set to reach high 30s.
“Victorians simply need to be in tune to the fire and weather conditions around them.”
Similarly, Ambulance Victoria is reminding community members to be cautious around water and while everyone is at risk of drowning, high-risk groups include males, culturally and linguistically diverse people and children.
Ambulance Victoria director emergency management Justin Dunlop said there are a number of tips all Victorians can follow to play it safe around the water this long weekend.
“Read the signs around a waterway and speak to locals to familiarise yourself with the risks, which differ at each body of water and even at different sections of the same waterway,” he said.
“Learn how to swim and know your limits, never swim alone and let people know where you’re going.”