As a scorching heatwave sweeps through southeastern Australia, Melbourne is bracing for potentially record-breaking temperatures today. This city, often known for its cooler climate, finds itself among the first capitals to face the fierce heat.

Forecasters predict the temperature in Melbourne will soar to 42 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous high of 40 degrees recorded in January 2020 amid the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires. Residents of Melbourne and Adelaide should prepare for a sweltering day ahead, but it’s the inland areas that will endure the most intense heat.

In north-west Victoria, the regional city of Mildura is expected to experience temperatures climbing to 45 degrees over the coming days. Meanwhile, Renmark, located in South Australia’s Riverland region, could see the mercury rise to a blistering 46 degrees.

In response to the extreme conditions, Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared a total fire ban today across the Wimmera, South West, and Central fire districts. This precaution aims to mitigate the risk of fires during this unprecedented heatwave.

The CFA in Victoria has issued a total fire ban today for the Wimmera, South West and Central fire districts.

Victorian authorities are especially concerned Friday will pose a dangerous day for fires, with temperatures of about 40 degrees or more combined with wind speeds from 40km/h to 70km/h.

Wind changes will make the job of firefighters controlling any bushfires much harder.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan urged residents to be prepared.

“It is really important people take the actions needed to protect themselves and their family, and that preparedness starts early.

“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies. Download the VicEmergency App to stay well informed.”

Sydney and large parts of NSW will also be blanketed by a heatwave until the end of this week.

The NSW capital will sweat through multiple days in the mid-30s, while Saturday is expected to bring the warmest temperatures in Sydney with a top of 39 degrees. Some inland parts of NSW may nudge 40 degrees over the next few days.

Deputy Coordinator-General of the National Emergency Management Agency Katarina Carroll said the heatwave conditions will last until the weekend.

She told Today this morning that more people die from heat-related conditions than any other natural disaster.

“You have to prepare for those four days. So stay hydrated .. wherever you can, keep cool as much as you can and look after the vulnerable.

“That is incredibly important the children, the elderly and listen to local emergency services.”