Melbourne's record-breaking heatwave

30 Jan 2009, 9:07 am   -   Source: AAP
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Melbourne has broken another weather record today as temperatures reach 43 degrees, with firefighters on high alert as the mercury soars.

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Melbourne has broken another weather record today as temperatures reach 43 degrees, with firefighters on high alert as the mercury soars.

If the weather predictions are correct, it will be the first time since records began in 1855 that the city has had three consecutive days of temperatures above 43C.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Richard Carlyon said the weather was only slightly better than Thursday for firefighters with temperatures remaining high and it would be less windy.

Dry weather to continue

However, the rain that firefighters desperately needed was still a long way off, he said.

A total fire ban is in place for all of Victoria, with temperatures expected to stay in the 30s for the next few days.

Melbourne is experiencing its driest period since 1965 with 27 days without rain and there is none forecast in the immediate future.

The city's record dry spell occurred in 1955 when the city had 40 days without rain, the bureau said.

Two blazes

Firefighters across Victoria are on alert, as crews in the south-eastern part of the state battle two separate blazes at Delburn and Darlimurla.

Firefighters warn the two bushfires may unite, and have given residents the option to leave their properties.

Ambulance Victoria will increase the number of ambulance units available on Friday to cope with the expected increase in the number of people affected by the heat.

On Thursday, the average daily work load more than doubled with 1,305 emergency cases.

Ambulances 'stretched'

Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella said the third day of the heatwave was expected to stretch its resources and called on the public to act responsibly in the heat and use medical services appropriately.

"Our ambulances are going to be very busy as this heat continues and there will be delays in us getting to less serious cases," he said.

WorkSafe Victoria has also asked employers and employees to monitor workers and conditions in the extreme weather conditions.

WorkSafe's executive director John Merritt said that may include ensuring employees were consuming enough water, had rest breaks and some work schedules may have to be changed.

"A consultative approach has to be taken, heat management plans must be developed, put into effect and regularly reviewed," he said.

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