SHELTER FROM THE SWELTER
THE region smashed through its predicted maximum temperature yesterday in a scary sign a 40-degree day could be on the cards for today.
Avalon Airport was one of the hottest locations in the state yesterday, breaking into the 30s just after 10am before topping out at 38.2 at 4.37pm.
Geelong Racecourse wasn’t far behind, reaching 37.5 after northerly winds veered towards the northwest in the afternoon to fan-bake the region.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Chris Godfred said after only getting down to the mid-20s overnight, hot winds should strengthen to up to 40km/h in the morning, to quickly take the temperature towards the forecast top of 39.
“It will be quite gusty at times during Friday and that will help bring down that very hot air, from the interior of the continent, across southern Victoria,” he said. “We will see cloud increase, but that won’t stop the temperature getting up to around 38 on Friday.”
Geelong also reached high pollen levels yesterday, which are expected to continue into today but remain moderate over the weekend.
A heat health alert remains current today.
Mr Godfred said a cool westerly change was not due until late tonight or early tomorrow, making the weekend much cooler for Geelong and surrounds.
There is also a chance of rain and thunderstorms tomorrow.