Thunderstorm threatens but no heatwave relief
Severe thunderstorms could roll through Melbourne and ruin a steamy Sunday night, but won’t dislodge a heatwave that’s causing concern for emergency services – as the Grampians bushfire continues to burn.
The heatwave – which kicked off in Victoria’s north-east on Thursday – is likely to stretch out until Tuesday despite the rain.
A woman and a dog walk around Albert Park this week.Credit: Luis Ascui
Melbourne is forecast to reach a top of 38 degrees on Sunday despite the possibility of thunderstorms, damaging wind and localised flash flooding from late afternoon into the evening. But the tremulous weather won’t bring any long-term cool relief, with the city forecast to reach a top of 39 on Monday.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s senior forecaster, Lincoln Trainor, said the thunderstorms, to begin in Victoria’s north-west before moving across central Victoria, were a “real concern”.
A tree burns during the Yarram Gap Road fire in the Grampians in late December.Credit: State Control Centre
“People need to be a little more careful and aware because those severe thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening around Melbourne have the potential to bring damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall, which could lead to localised flash flooding,” he said.
“It may not be a utopic night, so just be aware of that when planning your barbecues this evening.”
Trainor said Victoria was currently trapped in a northerly airflow, driving the hot temperatures over the state.
Mildura is forecast to reach a top of 41 on Sunday, while Swan Hill and Horsham are set to peak at 40 degrees.
