Extreme temperatures soar over 40C: Brace yourself for a heatwave today
Extreme heatwaves are set to make way across Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and some parts of New South Wales today.
Broken Hill is forecast to get up to 45 degrees today yet that’s not the most extreme brunt of heat Australians may be facing today.
Melbourne is set to reach 42 degrees and the Mercury is forecast could hit 47 degrees near the Victorian border.
Sydney’s west and Hobart, Tasmania will both be reaching for the air con as well with heat projected to hit at 39 degrees.
A sticky day is expected for the Northwest in South Australia today, with temps to reach 49.
Fires have been totally banned for the whole state of Victoria. Click below to see what these restrictions could mean for you.
Friday 4 January 2019 has been declared a day of TOTAL FIRE BAN for the whole State of Victoria. Plan ahead and understand what this means for you. Know what you can and can't do on a day of Total Fire Ban: https://t.co/Io6AlZ7Evh #vicfires pic.twitter.com/utTkH0rfwT
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) January 2, 2019
Fortunately, the air con might not have to be on for the whole day though as temps are expected to cool down by the late afternoon.
However, these cool wind changes could mean issues for firefighters trying to control blazes that may break out from the intense heat, a spokesperson for the CFA said.
“The cool changes could make things very problematic,” they said.
These winds could be up to 100km/h with the potential to widen fires attempting to be controlled.
Forecasters are advising people who are especially susceptible to heatstroke to stay hydrated and remain indoors