08/01/2026
Please stay safe in the heat!! 🥵
** Update: A new warning has been issued. Stay informed: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/ **
Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds.
Stay informed: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/
Issued at: 4:31pm on Thursday 8 January 2026.
Where:
For people in Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, South West, Northern Country, North Central, West and South Gippsland, Wimmera and parts of North East Forecast Districts.
Locations which may be affected include Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Horsham, Seymour, Maryborough, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.
When:
Damaging wind gusts developing across large parts of Victoria on Friday.
Situation:
Gusty northwesterly winds are expected to develop from Friday morning, mainly about the ranges, while a cool change moving through the state will produce broadscale thunderstorm activity increasing the risk for damaging wind gusts across the state during the afternoon and early evening. Conditions will ease for most of Victoria during Friday evening, but the risk of damaging wind gusts is likely to persist over the alpine peaks until Saturday morning.
What you should do:
The Victoria State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
The next warning is due to be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Thursday.