THE Country Fire Authority has declared total fire bans throughout the region as temperatures climb and wind gusts across the state's north.
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Total fire bans have been declared on Sunday in an area which includes Bendigo and stretches from Castlemaine's Mount Alexander Shire north to the Murray River.
Warm, dry and fresh to strong north-westerly winds have been forecast, before a south-westerly wind change that is expected to bring damaging wind gusts before the temperature drops in the afternoon.
More news:
Thunderstorms will develop during the afternoon, bringing localised scattered rainfall of less than 5mm near the change and dry lightning inland.
Bendigo is expected to reach a top of 34 degrees with hot and dry conditions expected until showers and the chance of thunderstorms late in the afternoon.
Echuca is expected to reach 38 with raised dust in the afternoon with the chance of thunderstorms.
Maryborough is part of a separate warning zone for strong and damaging winds but could be too far north to be hit by the cold front expected to hit other parts of the state.
The bureau of Meteorology plans to update its warnings as things develop over Saturday afternoon and evening.
However, the CFA says the total fire ban will apply in Maryborough, which is on the edge of the bureau's warning zone.
Earlier
MARYBOROUGH is among areas bracing for wild weather on Sunday as Victoria prepares for strong and gusty winds.
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that damaging winds averaging 50 to 60km/h with peak gusts to around 90km/h are possible in the warning area, which stretches south to Melbourne.
Western parts of the warning area will see strong winds from around dawn, which will move into central and eastern areas from late morning ahead of a cold front.
Squally showers or thunderstorms could develop on and ahead of the cold front as it moves through the State.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
- Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
- Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
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Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
