Hottest day in 12 months on Saturday

The hottest day in 12 months is forecast for this Saturday, with temperatures expected to rise to a sweltering 41 degrees across Melbourne.

Temperatures will soar on Saturday, but just for one day.

The surprise scorcher will follow a week of pleasant weather in the mid-20s and cool southerly breezes.

Read the Melbourne Age story by Amber Schultz - “Hottest day in 12 months on Saturday.”

Australia’s east coast sweats under unusual spring heat wave

The east coast of Australia is sweltering through a spring heat wave, with parts of New South Wales reaching 40 degrees and more than 75 bushfires burning across the state and Queensland.

A man enters the sea next to the Bronte ocean pool in
Sydney on Saturday. New South Wales recorded temperatures
of 40 degrees in some areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology said Wilcannia in the far west of NSW reached 40.5 degrees about 3pm, a September record for the state.

And an out of control grass fire east of Goulburn has forced authorities to close the Hume Highway in both directions.

The fire is at “emergency” level, according to the Rural Fire Service, and is moving in an easterly direction towards the town of Hanging Rock.

Firefighters and aircraft including the Large Air Tanker are working to slow the spread of the fire.

Read Michael McGowan’s story on The Guardian - “Australia’s east coast sweats under unusual spring heat wave.”

A warming Melbourne may need to consider a Sydney tree-change

These two thermal images, side by side, show how much trees can help keep the city cool during the sweltering summer months.

The temperature on the surface of the black,
heat-absorbing asphalt is about 60 degrees.

The first shows a section of Elizabeth Street, opposite the Queen Victoria Market, on a 36.7 degree day in January.

But take a look at the second image, taken a short way up the road.

The presence of the trees shield the nearby area from the harsh sunlight and also slightly cool their surroundings by drawing in moisture from the ground.

Read Craig Butt’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “A warming Melbourne may need to consider a Sydney tree-change.”

Melbourne weather: Get set to swelter with 30 degree night forecast

A warm sunset at St Kilda on Sunday
 night - it'll be sweltering tonight.

Thought Sunday night was warm? Tonight is going to be sweltering.

Melburnians can expect the mercury to still be hovering about 30 degrees when they turn in.

A cool change won't arrive in until after midnight, bringing much-needed relief for restless sleepers.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 35 on Monday with scattered clouds. There is a slim chance of rain during the day, although it will only be a sprinkle at most, senior forecaster Scott Williams said.

Read today’s story in the Melbourne Age - “Melbourne weather: Get set to swelter with 30 degree night forecast.”