Summer’s here with a scorcher

Temperatures are set to soar at the end of the week, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a scorcher for Friday.

Summer’s here: Rhiannon McGrath and her dog
 Sally prepare for Friday’s predicted big heat.

The bureau is predicting Shepparton will experience its first 40°C day of the summer, 2.8°C shy of the hottest December day on record — New Year’s Eve 2005.

A prediction for light winds lessens the possible bushfire danger, along with a slim chance of rain.

In the days leading up to Friday’s peak, the bureau is warning of extreme UV conditions, cautioning those outdoors to cover up and apply sunscreen between 9 am and 5.30 pm.

The mercury is predicted to hit the high-30s on Saturday, before easing off on Sunday.

The entire region is expected to swelter on Friday with Kyabram, Cobram and Yarrawonga all predicted to break the 40°C mark.

Story from The Shepparton News - “Summer’s here with a scorcher.”

Energy regulator says 'no concern' despite soaring temperatures this weekend

Temperatures are set to soar in the southern states this weekend, but the energy market regulator says we're unlikely to see blackouts or calls to reduce power consumption.

The regulator said blackouts were unlikely
this weekend despite the heat.

While much work has been done to create strategic reserves and to improve storage capabilities, one inescapable reason for this is luck and timing.

Weekend days tend to place less demand on the energy market as commercial and industrial activity is reduced.

It's also early January, so not all businesses are back in full swing.

Read the ABC News story by Henry Belot - “Energy regulator says 'no concern' despite soaring temperatures this weekend.”