**Victoria swelters under heatwave as wild weather and storms strike Melbourne**
Victoria has been struck by a wave of wild weather, which brought with it extreme heat, heavy storms, and widespread lightning activity, leaving residents grappling with a chaotic series of events. Melbourne and several surrounding areas have experienced significant disruptions, as homes were damaged, power outages were reported, and emergency services were deployed in response to the unfolding situation.
On Thursday, parts of Victoria saw temperatures soar as the state endured a heatwave that sent thermometers climbing. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued warnings about the extreme heat, alerting Victorians to potential risks, particularly among vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Daytime temperatures exceeded 35 degrees Celsius in many areas, and overnight conditions provided little respite as minimum temperatures stayed uncomfortably high.
Later in the day, the oppressive heat gave way to an intense storm front that moved through much of the state. The storms brought heavy rain, gusty winds, and prolific lightning activity. According to weather officials, thousands of lightning strikes were recorded within a short timeframe, many of which impacted the Melbourne metropolitan area. Footage shared across social media platforms showed dramatic lightning displays streaking across the sky, accompanied by the sound of rolling thunder.
In Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs, one house sustained direct damage from a lightning strike, which caused a fire to break out at the property. Emergency services responded swiftly to control the blaze, ensuring no occupants were harmed. Authorities have not disclosed the exact address or the extent of the damage while investigations continue. In a separate incident in a nearby area, a tree caught fire after being struck by lightning, further illustrating the severity of the storms on Thursday evening.
The combination of the heatwave and wild weather also affected residents’ access to essential utilities. Electricity providers confirmed that power outages occurred in multiple regions, leaving more than 5,000 homes without power for varying durations. The outages reportedly resulted from a combination of heat-related stress on the grid and physical damage to infrastructure caused by the storms. Crews have been working throughout the night and into Friday to restore power to affected properties. Some customers may face delays in service restoration due to the scale of the disruptions.
Flash flooding occurred in parts of Melbourne as the heavy rain overwhelmed local drainage systems. Suburbs in the city’s outer areas were particularly affected, with reports of water pooling on roadways and inundating residential properties. Motorists were urged to exercise caution and avoid driving through floodwaters. The State Emergency Service (SES) confirmed that it had responded to hundreds of calls for assistance, most of which were related to fallen trees, flooding, and building damage.
Public transport services were not spared from the impact of the severe weather. Train delays and cancellations were reported on some metropolitan lines due to debris on tracks and power supply issues. Tram and bus services in affected areas also experienced disruptions. Commuters were advised to plan ahead and check for updates before travelling.
The BOM has warned that more storms may develop in Victoria in the coming days as the extreme heat and unstable atmospheric conditions persist. Meteorologists explained that the clash between the hot air mass and cooler systems moving across the region creates ideal conditions for significant storm activity, including high rainfall, strong winds, and further lightning events. It remains unclear whether future storms will be as destructive as those experienced on Thursday evening.
Health officials have also reiterated warnings about the risks posed by the ongoing heatwave. The Australian Medical Association urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and monitor for signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Authorities reminded the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members and to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
The wild weather has also drawn attention to the effects of climate variability, though experts have cautioned against linking individual events to broader climate patterns without detailed analysis. While Victoria is no stranger to heatwaves and summer storms, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have raised questions among researchers and policymakers about preparedness and resilience in the face of changing conditions.
Residents and businesses affected by property damage are being advised by the SES and other relevant agencies to document the extent of the devastation, lodge insurance claims promptly, and follow safety protocols when dealing with debris or hazardous conditions. Local councils have also been tasked with removing fallen trees from roads and public spaces to ensure the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Emergency service operators have requested patience from the public as crews continue to work under challenging circumstances. They noted that the volume of requests for assistance has been unusually high, with resources stretched thin across the region. In severe emergencies, residents are still encouraged to call triple zero (000), but non-urgent issues may experience delayed responses.
While conditions in some parts of Victoria improved on Friday morning as temperatures dropped slightly, certain areas remained on alert for potential risks associated with residual storm activity. Authorities are continuing to monitor the evolving situation and will provide updates as necessary.
At this time, no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported as a result of the storms or heatwave, though minor injuries were noted in some incidents, such as falls caused by wet and slippery surfaces. Officials have praised the public’s general adherence to safety advice and their proactive efforts to prepare for the severe weather.
Victoria’s heatwave and subsequent storm activity serve as a stark reminder of the importance of readiness and resilience in responding to extreme weather events. With forecasts predicting further potential instability in coming days, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to safeguard themselves, their loved ones, and their property.
**References**
9News: https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-heatwave-storms-wild-weather-lightning-strikes-home-in-melbourne/536c85e6-03d7-4297-8d1b-8178ec28434c
The Age: https://www.theage.com.au
ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au