Victoria warned of 'dangerous' hot and gusty day ahead

Authorities have warned Victorians to prepare for a potentially dangerous day of bushfires tomorrow, with gusty and scorching hot conditions forecast.

The intense heat signals the first state-wide Total Fire Ban day for this summer, with all regions listed as having either a ‘Very High’, ‘Severe’ or ‘Extreme’ fire danger rating.

“What it means is that if a fire starts, it’s going to be uncontrollable and fast-moving. Tomorrow is going to be a high-risk day for us across the state,” Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said.

All Victorians are being urged to have a plan in place ahead of the extreme weather.

“Just think about what you would do if a fire occurred, wherever you are in Victoria,” CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted Melbourne will reach a top of 42 degrees - potentially the city’s hottest day in three years. Mildura and Echuca in the state’s north could see blistering maximums of 46 degrees.

BoM Senior Meteorologist Kevin Parkin warned while an afternoon cool change will come as a relief, it could increase fire danger due to the strength of estimated 70km/hr winds.

“Friday has all the ingredients that make fires hard to control. It’s hot, we’ve got north-to-north westerly winds that are quite gusty… and a wind change,” Mr Parkin said.

“While a lot of people look forward to a cool change… wind changes can be absolutely  destructive when it comes to advancing fires.”

Mr Parkin said the change will arrive at the south-west coast about 6am, before reaching Melbourne between 3pm and 4pm.

“It’s got a fair bit of punch and will continue into the late afternoon and evening,” he said.

A Severe Weather Warning has been issued for damaging winds as a result of the change. Melbourne, Geelong, Bacchus Marsh, Morwell, Traralgon, and Sale could all be affected.

Commissioner Crisp also urged people planning to cool off at beaches, lakes, and rivers to be safe and informed following a recent spate of drowning deaths.

“We’ve got to take something from the tragic deaths we’ve seen across the state this summer,” he said.

RELATED: Total Fire Bans in place in south-eastern states ahead of scorching weather

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