Scorcher predicted in Shepparton

Victoria is bracing for scorching heat, a dramatic cool change and squally winds all in one day today.

A statewide Total Fire Ban is in place for today with Shepparton expecting a scorching 45°C.

If the mercury does hit the predicted maximum in Shepparton, it will be the hottest January day ever recorded here.

Bendigo is forecast to get to 44°C and Echuca, Swan Hill, Kerang and Mildura, a searing 46°C.

Hot northerly winds coming from inland Australia ahead of a cold front were responsible for the heat, the Bureau of Meteorology’s Dean Stewart said.

‘‘It’s not that often that we get temperatures of that magnitude around 45°C, 46°C at some locations,’’ Mr Stewart said.

‘‘The good news is it will only be relatively short-lived; that cold front will be coming across Victoria during the day,’’ he said.

Shepparton expects light winds becoming north to northwesterly 20 km to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening.

Greater Shepparton City Council yesterday asked residents to watch out for each other during the extreme heat, particularly infants, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

‘‘Many vulnerable people do not have friends or relatives living nearby, so if you have an elderly neighbour or live near someone you know is unwell, make sure to keep an eye on them during hot weather,’’ the council’s community director Kaye Thomson said.

Ms Thomson also reminded residents the temperature inside a car could double within minutes, and to never leave children, pets or adults in a parked car during hot weather. 

● For more information on heat-related illness visit greatershepparton.com.au For emergency information, download the VicEmergency App, or visit emergency.vic.gov.au

Story from the Shepparton news - “Scorcher predicted.”

Victoria's chilly, windy and showery week

SES spokeswoman,
Susan Davie.

Tie down your outdoor furniture and grab your warmest coat – Victoria is set for a chilly, windy and showery week.

In Melbourne, the mercury is set to to plunge to as low as 7 degrees some nights, with highs of just 12 degrees on some days. We're in for squally winds, rain and possibly hail, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Across the state, flood warnings have been issued for nine locations, and on Monday heavy snow falls are forecast for Alpine areas.

State Emergency Service spokeswoman Susan Davie said volunteers were preparing some communities for floods.

Read Carolyn Webb’s story from today’s Melbourne Age - “Flood warnings for Victoria as state braces for cold, squally week.”