A hot weather system originating from Western Australia is predicted to impact Adelaide and Melbourne this Saturday, with temperatures expected to climb to a scorching 42 and 40 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Officials in Victoria have issued cautions, indicating that temperatures in the northern regions of the state might stay above 40 degrees for several days.
The devastating fires have resulted in over 1500 structures being classified as either damaged or destroyed, and a state of disaster persists throughout Victoria.
The most significant and damaging fire, located in Longwood, was considered contained as of 5 PM yesterday. This means the fire is still burning, but its expansion has been halted.
The Longwood inferno has ravaged 144,000 hectares, obliterated 320 homes, damaged many more, and affected nearly 900 outbuildings.
Despite forecasts suggesting that wind speeds won’t match the intense gusts experienced on January 9, authorities are urging residents in Victoria to stay alert and cautious.
“The risk of fire will return,” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan warned.
“We will be declaring total fire bans throughout the course of this fire event.”
Parkyn warned a dry outlook could make it even more difficult to quash the fires, and any new ones that start.
“We’re not expecting any significant rainfall to affect Victoria over the next two weeks,” he said.
Almost two dozen firefighters have been called in from New Zealand to help bolster efforts.
They will be joined by 74 Canadian firefighters expected to arrive in Victoria early next week.
