UPDATE: 4.36pm - Afternoon forecast update
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The bureau has adjusted Monday’s forecast for Shepparton down by 1℃.
From 5.30am Friday, the forecast called for 39℃ on Sunday and 45℃ on Monday.
At 4.30pm, the updated temperatures were 38℃ on Sunday and 44℃ on Monday.
EARLIER: 3.50pm
Monday, December 16 is slated to be the hottest December day on record in the Shepparton area since recording began in 1965.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a high of 45℃, following a warm day on Sunday, which is expected to hit 39℃.
The forecast could potentially change in the next day or two, and the bureau suggested people stay up to date by checking the website.
If Monday’s forecast high eventuates, it will just beat out the previous December high of 44.9℃, recorded on Friday, December 20, 2019.
According to the bureau, 2019 saw some of the hottest days in the Shepparton area, with a high of 46.2℃ in January of that year.
Given the high temperatures expected, a low-intensity heatwave warning has been issued for Victoria from Saturday to Tuesday.
Human-caused climate change has caused global temperatures to rise in recent years.
According to a report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a European research group that tracks global temperatures, this year is likely to be the warmest calendar year on record for Earth.
In Australia, this year’s State of the Climate Report from CSIRO found the country has continued to see an increase in extreme heat events, longer fire seasons, and more intense rainfall.
Fire danger
Monday is currently forecast as an ‘Extreme’ fire danger rating day.
Along with high temperatures, Monday is forecast to bring strong winds, with gusts up to 70 kilometres per hour on Monday morning, according to the CFA.
There’s also the possibility of lightning in the late afternoon and early evening.
“That means we’re fully prepared, our crews will be on high alert,” CFA District 22 Commander Rod Railton said.
Mr Railton said hot winds would dry out fuels and make the potential for fast-moving fires higher.
He urged people to keep fire safety in mind and avoid fires in open air during the coming hot days, particularly on Monday.
He asked that members of the public who see a fire call triple zero to ensure a quick response from crews.
Mr Railton said there’s likely to be a total fire ban on Monday.
Where to cool down
For those who may struggle to escape the heat, the Greater Shepparton City Council has identified several cooling centres across the region to provide relief from high temperatures.
The designated locations offer air-conditioned environments where people can cool down.
The council’s community director, Louise Mitchell, said such locations are essential during hot conditions.
“Knowing where they can go during these events will provide a sense of relief to those most affected and in need of support,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We understand that heat and hot weather can be challenging and even dangerous for many in our community and the cooling centres are there to provide a safe, comfortable place for everyone during these conditions.”
Those attending any of the centres are encouraged to bring along any necessary medications, a water bottle to stay hydrated and any personal items for comfort that they may need.
| Organisation | Address |
| Riverside Plaza | 8025 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla |
| Shepparton Marketplace | Benalla Road, Shepparton |
| South Shepparton Community House | 290-300 Archer Street, Shepparton |
| North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre | 10-14 Parkside Drive, Shepparton |
| Goulburn Valley Library – Shepparton | 41-42 Marungi Street, Shepparton |
| Goulburn Valley Library – Tatura | 12-16 Casey Street, Tatura |
| Goulburn Valley Library – Mooroopna | 9-11 Morrell Street, Mooroopna |
| Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre | 23 Alexandra Street, Mooroopna |
| Tatura Community House | 12-16 Casey Street, Tatura |
| Neighbourhood House Murchison | 23 Impey Street, Murchison |
More information about cooling centres, including hours of operations, can be found at greatershepparton.com.au/heatwave
School impacts
Monday’s potentially record-breaking heat comes as schools are wrapping up for the year.
According to the Department of Education, Victorian schools do not have a particular temperature threshold that would trigger school closures.
Schools are safe and have air conditioning, according to the department.
However, all schools have their own bushfire management plans in place and certain conditions may cause some schools to cancel in-person classes on Monday.
Schools will take the advice of emergency services and will communicate any changes with families.
Health risks
Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related hospitalisations and death in all states in Australia except Tasmania, according to independent public policy think tank, The Australia Institute.
Excessive heat is especially dangerous for vulnerable populations, including older adults, very young children, people with chronic illnesses, and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
It’s recommended that community members know how to spot and respond to heat-related illness.
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fainting.
People experiencing heatstroke can exhibit similar symptoms but the skin may be dry and the individual may be confused and agitated with a very high body temperature.
First aid for heat-related illness includes cooling the affected person quickly by doing things like wetting their skin, fanning them continuously, and applying ice packs or crushed ice in a damp towel to the neck, groin or armpits.
Call triple zero for an ambulance if the person is not improving or you suspect they are experiencing heatstroke.
As the mercury rises, health officials are urging people to take steps to stay safe.
Goulburn Valley Health’s Emergency Department is preparing for heat affected patients and cases of dehydration as part of the organisation’s emergency preparedness plan for extreme conditions.
The hospital also has a backup generator in case of power outages, and specialist consulting clinics are contacting patients to reschedule appointments if possible.
How to stay safe
In a bid to try to help the public stay safe during the expected high temperatures, GV Health released tips ahead of the weekend to help protect against heat-related illness.
Tips include:
- Keep cool using air conditioning, fans, and keeping skin wet using a spray bottle, damp sponge, or by taking cool showers.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors or performing physical activity.
- Plan ahead and avoid doing activities or being outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
- Check in on family, friends, neighbours, and those at increased risk during extreme heat.
- Monitor the weather forecast and stay up to date on any warnings.
According to Brett Davis, a veterinarian at GV Vets, many of the same precautions are important for pets.
Dr Davis said pets should be kept inside in air conditioning if possible, should avoid too much activity, and should stay hydrated.
He suggested putting ice in water bowls, and avoiding things like walks in the hottest part of the day.
Dr Davis cautioned that footpaths and roads can become incredibly hot for a pet’s paws during heatwaves.
“When the sun is beating down on black tar roads in particular, it’s bloody hot,” Dr Davis said.
While dogs may have thick pads on their paws, they can still be burned.
Dr Davis said people should watch for signs of heat stress in their pets, including excessive panting, laboured breathing, and extreme lethargy.
GV Vets is open 24 hours for emergencies.
Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heat if left in enclosed areas like parked cars, where temperatures can more than double within minutes, according to the office of the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.
“With summer upon us, it is an important reminder that chronic health conditions can be exacerbated in the heat and leaving kids or animals in hot parked cars can have deadly consequences,” Ms Thomas said.
Parked cars are often 20 to 30 degrees hotter than outside, which can be deadly for children, whose body temperatures rise much faster than adults.
Ambulance Victoria data shows paramedics made 117 callouts to people in locked cars in November with the total reports in the past year surpassing 1,210.
The vast majority of cases involved children under 13 years of age.
Leaving the windows of a parked car down has little effect on reducing the temperature, with tests showing that when windows are left open 10 centimetres, the temperature will only reduce by five degree.
Infrastructure risks
Along with posing a risk to health, extreme heat also poses a risk to infrastructure.
Power distribution company Powercor, which provides more than 60 per cent of Victoria’s power distribution infrastructure, including the Goulburn Valley’s, is preparing for high temperatures ahead of the weekend.
The company warns that extreme weather conditions can damage the power network, and lead to localised power outages.
“We are closely monitoring weather conditions and have extra field crews, controllers and customer centre specialists ready to respond if power does go out,” the company said in a statement.
While Powercor networks are designed to cope with hot temperatures during summer, extreme conditions like those forecast increase the risk of power outages, according to the company.
“On days of extreme fire danger, including Total Fire Ban days, we operate the power network in a more sensitive setting to reduce the risk of fire starts,” it said.
“This can mean power outages are more frequent and can last longer, as our crews are required to patrol the lines before switching power back on.
“During days of extreme heat, the increase in use of appliances such as air conditioners can place significant pressure on localised power networks and this can, at times, lead to power outages.”
Powercor is urging customers to prepare ahead of time and prepare for possible outages.
The company suggests ensuring phones and other devices are fully charged ahead of extreme weather, having a battery-powered radio on hand, and signing up for SMS notifications about power supplies at www.powercor.com.au/notify
“If you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for babies, the disabled, elderly or pets make sure you have a back-up plan ready,” the company’s statement said.
High temperatures may also have an impact on those looking to travel in the coming days.
V/Line announced Friday that extreme heat timetables would be in place to ensure train services run safely during the heat.
The Shepparton line will have a full extreme heat timetable on both Sunday, December 15 and Monday, December 16.
Other lines in the area are also impacted.
“Extreme heat speed restrictions are enforced when temperatures exceed 36 degrees in order to reduce the likelihood of train and track faults, while also keeping passengers safe,” a V/Line statement said.
“When an extreme heat timetable is in place, journey times will be extended as we reduce the speed of trains.”
It’s been almost five years since the last 45℃ day in the Shepparton area.
Shepparton Airport recorded a temperature of 45.9℃ on Friday, January 31, 2020.
Senior Journalist