Temperatures hit 40 degrees, pools to open longer as heatwave hits Bendigo, central Victoria

On Thursday and Friday, the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre will be open from 6am to 8pm, while the Brennan Park, Marong and Heathcote pools will open at 10am and close at 8pm.

The Long Gully Splash Park is open from 9am to 8pm daily, and Peter Krenz Leisure Centre is open Thursday and Friday 6am to 7pm.

Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre is open from 6am to 9pm, but pools shut 30 minutes before the centre closes.

Lifeguards at other outdoor pools will determine extended opening hours, subject to patron numbers.

UPDATE Thursday 11.45am: The Emergency Management Commissioner has issued a health warning regarding extreme heat for parts of central Victoria.

The extreme heat advice applies to the Northern Country and North Central forecast districts, where temperatures at or above heat health threshold are forecast for Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures at or above the heat health threshold are also forecast for the Northern Country district on Saturday.

The community is advised anyone can fall ill because of the heat, but people over 65, the very young and those with a pre-existing medical condition are most at risk.

People should drink water, even if they do not feel thirsty; keep cool; plan ahead so any activities are held in the coolest part of the day; and check in with those who live alone, are older, or have a medical condition.

Animals and people should never be left in cars, where the temperature can double in just minutes.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include heat rash, cramps, and dizziness and fainting.

Those suffering heat exhaustion – a serious condition – may experience paleness and sweating, a rapid heart rate, cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness or fainting.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can cause a person to stagger, appear confused, have a fit, collapse, or fall unconscious. If heatstroke is suspected, 000 should be called.

For more information on managing heat-related illness, visit the Better Health website.

EARLIER: Extreme heat is set to heat central Victoria in the next two days, with highs into the low 40 degrees

Bendigo temperatures are predicted to peak on Thursday at 42 degrees. Friday is hot at its heels, with a forecast top of 41.

In Castlemaine the tops are predicted to be 39 degrees and 37 degrees, while Maryborough is set to swelter in 40 degrees and 39 degrees on Thursday and Friday.

The heatwave comes as hot air is blown down from central Australia.

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The further north, the hotter the weather. Echuca is forecast to hit 42 on Thursday and 43 on Friday, before temperatures ease to the high 30s.

Kerang is facing a top of 44 degrees on Thursday, 43 degress on Friday and 40 degrees on Saturday.

Some relief may come to Bendigo over the weekend. Temperatures are predicted to be 33 on Saturday, 34 on Sunday, and 33 and 35 on Monday and Tuesday.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Michael Efron said a high pressure system over the Tasman Sea had caused northerly winds across south eastern Australia, which blew heat down from central Australia.

Not only will days be hot, but the temperature is forecast to remain high overnight.

In the Bendigo region it was likely to be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that the most intense heat hits.

“It’s the next three days including today that we’ll see the most intense heat across northern Victoria,” Mr Efron said.

“It’s really noticeable that the further north you are in Victoria the hotter it will be for longer.”

Mr Efron urged people to check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbours, who might be vulnerable to the heat.

A total fire ban day has been declared in the Mallee and Wimmera. Fire danger is very high in the northern country, and high in the north central region.

Fire danger is expected to be severe in the northern country on Thursday.

Those wanting a bit of heat-relief can head to Kyneton, where temperatures are forecast to peak at 36 degrees on Thursday, before dropping to the mid-30s and high-20s in the lead up to 2019.

Or, if schadenfreude helps you with the heat, spare a thought for the good people of Marble Bar, Western Australia.

They’re looking at a top of 49 on Wednesday, followed by highs of 48, 46, 46, 45, 44 and 41.

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