General News
23 January, 2026
Heat, fire danger to rise over next few days
The Wimmera is set to experience an extended period of heat starting on Saturday, which will also cause elevated fire danger.
Temperatures on Saturday are forecast to reach 42 degrees Celsius with moderate winds with breezy gusts between late morning and late afternoon, starting in the north and moving to the west, then abating in the evening and moving to the south-west.
Sunday is forecast to reach 35°C, and Monday (Australia Day) is expected to be 41°C.
Residents are urged to stay hydrated and cool during this heatwave.
Tuesday’s forecast is currently 45°C with increasing winds.
Hydration means drinking before feeling thirsty, as humans typically don’t feel thirst until one to two per cent of body weight has been lost in fluid.
Drinking at least half a litre of water half an hour before heading outside (if unavoidable) is an excellent strategy.
Monitor other symptoms of dehydration, such as a dry mouth and dark-coloured urine.
Use air conditioning or a fan, wear light, loose clothing, and keep skin wet with a spray bottle or a damp sponge, and take cool showers.
If you can’t keep cool at home, look to public places, such as town halls and libraries are open.
Have a dip at the pool. Entry to the Horsham Aquatic Centre will be just $2 per person on days forecast to reach 35°C or higher, but on Monday, it will only open for public holiday hours of 8am to 4pm.
For other localities, check which places may be available for avoiding the heat.
Heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster.
Check in on those over 65, young children, people with ongoing health issues, and the socially isolated.
Fire risk will be very high during this period, and CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan asked people to be prepared.
“We will be declaring Total Fire Bans over the course of this heatwave event,” he said.
“Have your bushfire survival plan, have a conversation with your family and know what you are going to do in the event of a fire.
“We’re asking communities to maintain vigilance by having the VicEmergency app and setting a watch zone, and having a battery-powered radio tuned to your emergency broadcaster.
"This will ensure that if anything does occur, you’re up to date with the latest information.”