This weekend, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania will experience heightened fire danger due to soaring temperatures and strong winds. An approaching cold front will push hot, dry air from inland areas, with forecasts indicating extreme fire risks for regions of western and central Victoria, including Melbourne, and parts of South Australia, such as the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Tasmania is also under high fire danger warnings with an existing bushfire in the state’s north-west. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of dry lightning and gusty winds that could ignite new fires. Forecasters predict strong winds across the southeastern states, with the potential for even stronger gusts on Saturday night, particularly in central Victoria and Tasmania.
Expected temperatures across the three states will be well above the February average, with Melbourne reaching up to 37 degrees and Adelaide peaking at 38 degrees. Oodnadatta could hit a sweltering 43 degrees, while Hobart and Launceston are forecasted to reach 29 and 32 degrees, respectively. A cool change is expected to provide some relief on Sunday, with Melbourne’s temperature dropping to 30 degrees alongside a chance of thunderstorms, while Adelaide and Hobart are forecast to cool to 26 and 25 degrees, respectively.