The Bureau of Meteorology has classed Victoria’s recent rise in degrees as a low-intensity heatwave.
Shepparton was expected to reach temperatures of around 40 degrees on Thursday afternoon, with very hot and windy conditions forecast across Victoria, elevating fire dangers.
At the time of printing, the maximum temperature reached in Shepparton was 37.3℃ (recorded at 4.25pm), while nearby Kyabram hit 39.4℃ at 5pm.
“From a fire perspective, it could be a very dangerous day,” senior meteorologist Christie Johnson said.
“We’ve issued an extreme fire danger warning across the state, and if we do see fires develop, they could be very difficult to contain.”
Ms Johnson has advised all Victorians to prioritise their safety during this period.
“We do often see the most dangerous period of a heatwave is around about the third or fourth day when people have been hot for a few days and haven’t slept well for the past few nights; the peak of the heat is often at the end of a heatwave can be a very dangerous time,” she said.
“We’re asking all Victorians to take care, stay cool, check in on neighbours, pets, and wildlife, and be aware of the dangers of heatwaves, which are one of our most dangerous weather phenomenons.”
Thursday was expected to be the peak of this heat, with a top of 26℃ forecast for Friday.