Hot under the collar

Swan Hill has sweltered through steamy conditions during the past two days as the mercury reached furnace-like temperatures above 40 degrees. 

Locals tossed and turned in bed on Wednesday night and into yesterday morning as the mercury failed to dip below 26 degrees, while dozens flocked to the outdoor swimming pools yesterday as the temperature reached a humid 45.4 degrees at 4.14pm.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said there was no relief north of the Great Dividing Range last night and into this morning due to a weak change. 

Another scorching 42 degrees has been tipped for today, meaning Swan Hill will have recorded three consecutive days of 40 degrees or above. 

Cloud cover will reach the region on Saturday but sporting contests are in doubt, with a maximum of 41 degrees forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology.

The UV index is predicted to reach extreme 15 today and tomorrow, forcing Ambulance Victoria to remind residents and visitors to the Mallee to take simple steps to keep themselves cool during the relentless heatwave.

To read more of this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (February 10).