A health-heat alert has been issued for areas across Victoria, with temperatures set to soar into the high 30s on Wednesday.
Northerly winds will bring hot and sticky conditions before possible afternoon thunderstorms across the state, Bureau of Meteorology forecaster James Taylor said.
Horsham in Victoria’s west, which has been at the centre of the most bushfire activity in the past week, is expected to be the hottest in the state, with the temperature set to reach 40 degrees.
The mercury is expected to reach 39 degrees in Mildura and Swan Hill and 38 in Bendigo and Shepparton.
Melbourne is set to top 35 degrees, while it is expected to hit 34 degrees in Geelong.
“The hottest part of the day is likely to be during the middle of the afternoon,” Mr Taylor said.
In Melbourne, the mercury is forecast to hit 32 degrees by 11am and 35 degrees by 2pm.
However, it could reach 37 degrees in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
And there will be little relief during the night, with the temperature forecast to remain above 25 degrees.
“The northerly winds will really bring those temperatures up today, but it’s also quite humid with that northerly flow,” Mr Taylor said.
“So it’s going to be very sticky overnight.”
That humidity will probably lead to afternoon thunderstorms, he said.
“The most likely areas for storms will be in East Gippsland and across the north-east ranges and also across the south-west as a weak trough develops there later in the day,” Mr Taylor said.
While issuing a heat-health warning for the state, the Heath Department reminded residents to keep well hydrated and watch out for elderly neighbours and family members, who might be at a high risk of suffering heat stroke.
“People aged 65 years and over may be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and need special care in hot weather,” the department said. “Factors that can increase a person’s risk include living alone, chronic medical problems and certain medication.”
Parents have also been warned against leaving young children and babies in cars.
“Never leave babies or young children alone in a car, no matter what the weather,” the department said. “Even in mild weather, cars quickly become too hot for small children.”
The temperature will remain high on Thursday, with a top of 31 degrees expected in Melbourne.
A cold front will bring relief from the heat on Friday when the mercury is expected to drop to 20 degrees. The low pressure system will also bring a deluge of rainfall to much of Victoria at the weekend.
Parts of the state’s north and north-east could receive more than double their average rainfall for the month in one hit, with possible falls of up to 100 millimetres.
Tips to prevent heat-related illnesses:
- Drink plenty of fluids – cool water is best. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink; drink regularly throughout the day.
- Reduce physical activity and avoid vigorous exercise in hot weather. If activity is unavoidable, try to schedule activity for the cooler part of the day and rest often.
- Stay indoors in very hot weather, preferably in an air-conditioned building or ensure there is good air flow with fans and open windows. If you don’t have air-conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping centre, public library or pool.
- People can also stay cool by taking cool showers or baths, soaking their feet in a basin of water, or wetting a bandanna or washer and wrapping it around their neck.
- Never leave anyone or pets in a closed parked car.
This story first appeared in The Age
