Heatwave severity map shows the heat hitting the region tomorrow, Sunday, January 25. Source: Bureau of Meteorology
With temperatures again soaring, a total fire ban has been declared for Northern Country, North Central, North East and East Gippsland fire weather districts for tomorrow, Sunday, January 25.
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Severe to extreme heatwave conditions are building over the north and east of the state over the weekend and persisting well into next week.
The severe heatwave warning for Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland, Central, North Central and South West and an extreme heatwave warning for North East have been issued.
Maximum temperatures are increasing to mid-40s over the north of the state, and in the low to high 30s over East Gippsland.
Overnight minimum temperatures in the high teens to mid 20s over the north of the state.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said a total fire ban had been declared due to the expected conditions across the state tomorrow along with current fires in the landscape.
“While firefighters across the state have been doing incredible work building containment lines around the current fires, in these elevated conditions there is the potential for those fires to escape,’’ he said.
“People need to avoid fire affected areas, abide by the current traffic management points in place, they are there for your safety.
“We’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the total fire ban declaration.
“We want people to enjoy their long weekend festivities but encourage the community to remain alert and fire ready.’’
A total fire ban has been declared of the entire state of Victoria.
A total fire ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day.
People should maintain vigilance by having the VicEmergency app with watch zones set to where you are headed and have a battery-powered radio on hand tuned to your emergency broadcaster.
Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information. They include:
ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
The VicEmergency App and website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook
For information on what you can and can't do visit the Can I or Can't I page on the CFA website.
People can find out if it is a total fire ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before.
Protect your health
Heat can make anyone sick.
People over 65, the very young and those with a pre-existing medical condition are most at risk.
Heat-related illness can range from mild conditions, such as a rash or cramps to heatstroke - which is life-threatening.
Stay cool on hot days: Use an air conditioner or a fan, wear light and loose clothing, or splash or spray cool water onto your skin.
Keep hydrated: Always take a drink bottle with you.
Check in with family, friends and neighbours: Let people know you are OK or check in on those at increased risk including people over the age of 65, young children and babies, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
Plan ahead: Cancel or reschedule activities for a cooler time of the day and check the weather forecast regularly.
Heat can stress pets. Provide cool, clean water and shade for your pets and animals.
Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and monitor your health.
