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Extreme to Catastrophic fire danger to hit SA, Victoria on Boxing Day

Life-threatening fire weather will hit Victoria and SA on Boxing Day as a surge of intense heat and dry, blustery winds create Extreme to Catastrophic fire danger in areas still reeling from recent blazes.

A large pool of hot air that is currently baking WA will get pushed across southern Australia on Christmas Day and Boxing Day as northerly winds strengthen ahead of an approaching cold front. The winds and heat will peak on Boxing Day when dry thunderstorms and a squally will help to exacerbate ghe fire threat.

The map below shows the forecast temperature and wind over southeastern Australia late on December 26, with a tongue of heat extending from central Australia towards Vic. The map also shows the influence of the cooler westerly change over SA by this point in the day.

Image: Forecast temperature and wind at 5pm AEDT on Boxing Day.

Temperatures are expected to reach the low to high forties over large areas of SA on December 25 and 26. In Vic, temperatures will comfortably reach the low forties in some central and western parts of the state on Boxing Day. Adelaide is expected to reach about 36 to 37°C on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, while Melbourne could jump from 30°C on Christmas Day to around 40°C on Boxing Day.

Image: Forecast maximum temperature on Boxing Day.

The combination of heat, wind, low humidity and dry vegetation will cause Extreme to Catastrophic fire danger ratings over central and eastern areas of SA and central and western Vic on Boxing Day. Any fires that are burning in these areas will be very difficult to control and may threaten lives and properties.

Image: Forecast fire danger ratings on December 26, 2024. Valid at 4:30pm AEDT on December 23, 2024.

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority is urging residents to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires over what is shaping up to be a dangerous Christmas period for the state.

“We can’t get a fire truck into every driveway so we are asking Victorians to know their fire risk, plan ahead and make sure we are doing our part to keep each other safe,” the CFA said in a statement issued on Monday.

For the latest warnings and information on fires burning in Vic and SA, visit:

• SA Country Fire Service - https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/warnings/incidents-warnings/
• Vic Emergency - https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/