When record-breaking heatwave will end

Sky News Weather meteorologist Rob Sharpe said Victorians were in for similar conditions on Monday compared to the weekend as temperatures hit 38C in Geelong and the Surf Coast area.

“We’re seeing another hot day with plenty of sunshine right across Victoria and South Australia as well,” he said.

“This morning wasn’t quite as uncomfortable as it was the previous morning in Melbourne,” he added, with the lowest temperature in Victoria being 27C on Sunday morning.

However, Mr Sharpe said people’s homes were struggling to cool down overnight, particularly for those without airconditioning.

Monday is set to be another “uncomfortable” night for Victorians, “particularly by March standards”, though a cool change is set to bring some relief for Victorians on Tuesday.

“The cool change comes through first thing tomorrow morning, so that means there will probably be winds all day for tomorrow that will really keep a lid on those temperatures,” Mr Sharpe said, with a forecast of top of 24C and a minimum of 21C for Tuesday.

“Tomorrow thankfully will not warm up really and stay dry for tomorrow too.”

The weekend is also forecast to be “much more comfortable than the ones we just had”.

“Much more typical March weekend for Melbourne on the way,” Mr Sharpe said.

A total fire ban has been declared in Victoria as temperatures hit a high of 38C across the state.

CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said the fire danger rating had reached extreme, urging communities to “remain aware and prepared”.

“If you are anywhere in the South West region, no fire, including any campfire, can be lit on a day of total fire ban,” he said.

“We ask all members of the community to please co-operate and abide by the total fire ban requirements as we move through another day of very high to extreme fire danger across much of Victoria.”

Events cancelled amid extreme heat

The weather has left Victorians devastated after Monday’s Moomba Parade was cancelled over safety concerns.

“This is a very difficult decision, particularly in Moomba’s 70th year – but we must prioritise people’s health and safety in these extreme conditions,” Moomba Festival organisers wrote in a statement on Saturday afternoon.

“Parade participants are required to spend several hours outdoors in hot, heavy costumes – putting them at greater risk.”

The Pitch Music and Arts Festival was the latest event to be scrapped after the CFA upgraded its fire danger to “extreme” for Monday.

“We encourage everyone on site not to rush, calmly pack up and depart either this (Sunday) or early (Monday),” a statement posted to Instagram read.

“For those who have travelled in their own vehicle, please ensure you have a sober and rested driver.

“Our staff are on hand to assist you with any inquiries or with organising your departure.

“We continue to have a police, fire, and medical presence throughout the festival site to support the safety and security of patrons.

“Please remember to stay hydrated, and be patient and calm with staff and each other.”

Additional buses to Ararat were set to begin from 6am on Monday, while the statement said ticket holders would receive an update regarding refund inquiries “as more information becomes available”.

“Our top priority right now is to get everyone on site home safely,” organisers said.

Tasmania’s hottest night in 112 years

Tasmania has also been hit with scorching temperatures as the state was hit with the hottest night in 112 years on Saturday.

Hobart residents experienced through an overnight low of 24.3C.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for Furneaux Islands, North East, East Coast, Central North, Midlands, Central Plateau, North West Coast and King Island Districts.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Helen Reid said temperatures in Tasmania were higher than usual for this time of year.

“Launceston and Campbelltown are looking at being around the 30C mark today, most places will be around 27 or 28, but that is still well above the average for this time of year,” she said.

“Tomorrow is starting to cool down but we are looking at six to eight degrees above average in the state … definitely problematic.”

South Australia is also being hit with extreme and severe heatwave warnings across the state; however, Ms Reid said conditions are expected to dip below 40 degrees by Thursday.

“South Australia today, I wouldn’t call it the last hoorah for heat, but it is going to have a little bit of relief through that state,” she said.

NSW

Fire conditions are a concern in NSW as the heatwave is “still well and truly there”.

“It’s still six to seven degrees above average for this time of year, but it’s really noticeable in the southern part of the state where it’s eight to 10 degrees above average,” Ms Reid said.

Queensland

Queensland hasn’t quite got the same heatwave; however, Ms Reid said there was more rainfall through coastal regions, while wind warnings were in place for most coastal waters.

Western Australia

WA have got their fair share of a heatwave too, as Ms Reid said the Carnarvon region was being hit by a low intensive heatwave.

Temperatures of 42C and 43C are expected in the Carnarvon and Coral Bay areas, where it will continue to be warm for a few days.

Northern Territory

The state was expecting a wet season soon, Ms Reid said.

“They’re continuing that trough feature across the Top End today. Thunderstorm activity today

looking like that will be a monsoon sort of feature in the trough by the time we get to tomorrow,” she said.