Victoria is bracing for a scorching week as temperatures soar to a record-breaking 49 degrees Celsius. This week-long heatwave poses a significant threat of bushfires, with parts of northern Victoria already experiencing dangerous conditions. Melbourne, in particular, is under threat, with smoke from a fire in the Otways blanketing the city and surrounding areas. The Emergency Management Commissioner has warned that the heatwave will last for seven consecutive days, with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the town of Ouyen will reach a staggering 49 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, a Victorian record. This heatwave is expected to peak on Tuesday, with temperatures in the high 30s to mid-40s across the northern half of the state. The smoke from the fire has already caused air quality alerts to be upgraded, and residents are advised to take precautions to avoid illnesses such as heat stroke. The Australian Open was briefly suspended on Saturday due to the extreme heat, and Ambulance Victoria has responded to multiple cases of children locked in cars. The heatwave is expected to ease gradually over the southwestern parts of the state from mid-week, but the risk of bushfires remains high. Victoria has already seen over 1000 structures damaged by bushfires this summer, with 289 of them homes. The Longwood fire, which devastated parts of central Victoria earlier this month, is now contained. As the heatwave continues, residents and authorities must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all.
