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Tuesday February 9, 2010

What we're talking about

Dust storms across Victoria?

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 20 November, 2009 - 10:46 AM


ABOVE: Neil Mitchell discusses the apparent dust storms near Melbourne.

The weather bureau says it - like 3AW - has had a few reports but admits the bureau is 'clutching at straws' to explain the constant reports from talkback callers.

Do you have images of this so-called 'dust storm'? Email bwise@3aw.com.au.

2:15PM: The temperature in Melbourne has dropped from around 36 degrees to 29 degrees as strong winds bring the cool change to town. Many 3AW callers are reporting dangerous driving conditions and falling branches in many places around the state. 3AW will keep you updated LIVE to anything you need to know.

Thomas Hunter, The Age: Relief from the record-breaking heatwave that has scorched Victoria over recent weeks is on the way, the weather bureau says.

Today's searing heat will give way when the cold front reaches central Victoria later this afternoon, ushering in a period of cooler weather.

The temperature hit 38.2 degrees in Viewbank, in Melbourne's north, just before 2pm.

South-westerly winds will bring cooler air later on Friday senior forecaster James Taylor said.

"Tomorrow the winds will be lighter and a bit more variable across the state, but we're expecting a rain band to develop and move over Melbourne tomorrow evening and clear out Sunday morning."

Mr Taylor said maximum temperatures would stretch into the 30s early today but were expected to drop significantly for the weekend.

"In terms of temperatures for tomorrow, we're only looking at the mid to high 20s in the north of the state, and low 20s in the south, and it will be cooler again on Sunday," he said.

But while the arrival of the cooler air will be welcomed by most Victorians, it represents a potentially dangerous period for firefighters.

"We're forecasting thunderstorm activity right across the state," he said.

"There's a chance there of fire starting, but the good news is this rain band should help to reduce the impact of any fires over the weekend."

Meanwhile, fire crews are battling three fires started by lightning in the far west of the state.

State Control Centre spokesman Trevor Miles said ground crews and firebombing aircraft were working to contain the blazes.

"They are each reported at about 40 hectares in size," Mr Miles said.

"The fire in Dodorong, north-west of Portland, started as a grass fire and spread into a pine plantation.

"There's another one burning in the Lower Glenelg National Park on the Cutout Dam Road. It's burning in stringybark, mixed species forest and we expect it to be under control later today."

There are currently three aircraft fighting the fires - one reconnaissance helicopter and two fixed-wing firebombers.

"They're being deployed from Casterton and being used depending on priority," Mr Miles said.

Blog comments Your Say

  • what dust storm?

    steve Monday 23 November, 2009 - 11:04 AM

  • i was in hoppers crossing, and there was a definite dust cloud that came through, all cars filthy

    robbie Saturday 21 November, 2009 - 12:08 PM

  • I was in a dust storm in southern NSW in the late thirties and it was hotter (108 degrees) and dustier than any of the recent storms I have seen!

    Trevor O'Hehir Saturday 21 November, 2009 - 9:27 AM

  • It was in Adelaide a day ago

    col Friday 20 November, 2009 - 11:08 PM

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