States brace for ‘disturbingly hot’ day to end week-long heatwave

After three days of record-breaking temperatures, Australia is set to finish the week before Christmas facing temperatures well into the 40s across most of the country today.

During yesterday’s sweltering conditions, the rural community of Nullarbor in South Australia set the record for the country’s highest December temperature, reaching 49.9C.

As the weekend approaches, emergency crews are preparing for what is expected to be another day of scorching hot weather with several states and cities forecast to set new records again today.

Another scorching day awaits Victoria after the heatwave caused chaos yesterday, with roughly 3000 people losing power.

Melbourne is forecast to hit 44C today. The last time it climbed that high in December was 1876.

Temperatures could reach 12C above average for Mildura with a maximum of 47C today, potentially breaking December records for the area. Paramedics were called to 14 reports of children locked in vehicles yesterday. Twelve were in the metropolitan area, one was in the Barwon South West and one was in Loddon Mallee region.

Fortunately, no one required treatment.

Ambulance Victoria is urging people not leave children and pets in cars.
Extreme fire danger is in place for Wimmera and the South East while a severe fire danger warning has been issued for Mallee, Northern Country, North Central and Central Victoria.

A total fire ban has been declared for all of Victoria today.

Response Controller Gavin Freeman said while the state’s fire agencies and emergency managers are on alert and prepared for the conditions, it was vital the rest of the community were also prepared.

“We urge all Victorians to be aware that fires can happen anywhere and without warning, and to make their plans accordingly,” he said in a statement.

Story: Nine News