THIS weekend is forecast to be the hottest Wangaratta has seen in four years and authorities are urging people to take precautions.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting 40 degrees on Saturday and 39 degrees on Sunday for the city.
Last year's maximum temperature of 39.6 degrees was recorded in December, and Wangaratta has not seen a temperature above 40 degrees since January 25, 2021, when 41.1 degrees was recorded.
Wangaratta-based CFA assistant deputy fire officer for District 23, Paul Scragg, advised locals to be mindful of the conditions and to check the Vic Emergency App.
"We're coming into a bit of a hot spell again this weekend, with heatwave conditions from Friday to Monday, so stay home if you can and check before you travel," he said.
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"Be aware of what the conditions are and check for Total Fire Bans, as we are in the Fire Danger Period so there are restrictions on what you can and can't do.
"In this weather, consider if you need to have a campfire or do hot works like welding, angle grinding, or agricultural practices.
"Check the CFA website to see what you can and can't do but we discourage these activities in these conditions, do something else and wait for a more benign day with better conditions for those activities.
"If you are going to have a campfire, please make sure it's legal and ensure it is thoroughly extinguished when you leave."
The Rural City of Wangaratta's advice during heatwave conditions is to:
- Keep out of the heat - look for shade and wear a hat.
- Drink enough water.
- Naturally cool your home - close windows and blinds in the day.
- Check on people who may struggle in the heat, particularly those aged over 65 years, children under five, pregnant or nursing mothers, people with disabilities or pre-existing medical conditions, or those living alone with little social contact.
- Help people who are feeling unwell.
- Talk to your health service if you have health issues.
Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.
For more information on what you can and can't do visit the Can I or Can't I page on the CFA website at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
