December 15th 2024.
Today, the people of Victoria are facing a dangerous weather day, with temperatures set to rise into the 40s across the state. This extreme weather has been described as "beyond extreme" by the Country Fire Authority chief, who has warned that the state's bushland is primed and ready to burn.
In some parts of the state, temperatures are expected to reach a scorching 46 degrees, while even the usually mild city of Melbourne will experience its hottest day in five years. As the CFA chief executive, Jason Heffernan, aptly puts it, "It will be a nasty day, and we need to make sure we are prepared."
The dry and hot conditions have created a perfect storm for potential bushfires, with the heat and wind causing the already dry fuel to become even more flammable. To combat this, a large air tanker and 54 other planes and helicopters have been strategically placed to respond to any potential fires.
Melbourne is forecasted to reach a sweltering 41 degrees, making it the hottest December day since 2019. Other areas of the state, such as Bendigo, Yarrawonga, Mildura, and Swan Hill, are also expected to experience scorching temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of up to 46 degrees.
In addition to the heat, forecasters are also warning about the potential for lightning strikes to start fires. Michael Efron from the Bureau of Meteorology explains, "Isolated thunderstorm activity developing over western and central parts could result in dry lightning and trigger some fire starts."
As a precaution, a total fire ban has been issued for most of the state, with an extreme fire danger rating in the central and western districts. Several farming communities, including Lake Bolac, Westmere, Cressy, and Winchelsea, are expected to reach the catastrophic rating, and residents are being urged to take necessary precautions.
The CFA chief also warns that the dry conditions are comparable to those before the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2020, with the added fuel of a late harvest. As a result, people are being urged to clear their properties and prepare for potential fires.
Thankfully, the heat is expected to ease after 8pm in Melbourne, but for those in the east of the state, it may linger until Tuesday. Residents are being advised to stay informed and pay attention to any warnings on the Vic Emergency app.
Meanwhile, in Queensland, the aftermath of Saturday's storms in Brisbane has prompted the Lord Mayor to issue a warning to residents to prepare for the upcoming summer season. The ground is already saturated from the excessive rain, and any short, sharp storms could trigger flash flooding, according to Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
In November alone, Brisbane has already received 237 millimetres of rain, double the monthly average. And according to forecasters, this trend is expected to continue. Senior Meteorologist Steve Hadley explains, "The odds are skewed a little bit towards unusually high rainfall this year."
Further north, the rain is set to return to Queensland today, with some areas potentially receiving up to 70 millimetres in a day. With the ground already wet, there is a possibility of flash flooding in some areas. Down in Sydney, temperatures are expected to rise, with the city reaching a peak of 36 degrees in the west and 29 degrees in the city.
Canberra will also experience a hot and sunny day, with temperatures shooting up to 37 degrees. Meanwhile, in Adelaide, it will be a cloudy and scorching 38 degrees, while Perth will enjoy a cooler 25 degrees under clear skies.
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