Kasia Dietz
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:04 am GMT
As Victoria prepares for a weekend full of unpredictable weather, residents and festival-goers alike must brace for a mix of sun, rain, and even cooler temperatures. The annual Rifflandia music festival kicks off amidst these fluctuating conditions, making it essential for attendees to pack both their dancing shoes and rain gear.
Weekend Weather Forecast
The forecast for Victoria indicates a complex weather pattern unfolding. Today, expect an increase in cloud cover with rain set to begin later in the morning. According to Environment Canada, temperatures will peak at around 16°C before dropping to 12°C tonight. The chance of rain is substantial, with a 70% likelihood of showers throughout the day.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the weather is predicted to be slightly more favorable, featuring a mix of sun and clouds. The high temperature is anticipated to reach 17°C, with a 60% chance of rain remaining. Sunday, however, is expected to be the most pleasant day of the weekend, as the forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures rising to 19°C.
Controlled Burns Amidst Weather Changes
In conjunction with the weekend’s weather, the Department of National Defence and the BC Wildfire Service will be conducting a controlled burn of 50 hectares at the Canadian Forces Base on Rocky Point in Metchosin. This operation aims to mitigate wildfire risks by clearing dead vegetation, thereby resembling natural ground fires. While this activity is beneficial for long-term fire prevention, residents in Victoria may see visible smoke as the burn may continue into early October.
Chilling Conditions in Castlemaine
In contrast to Victoria’s festival scenes, the Victorian town of Castlemaine recently experienced a freak hailstorm that transformed it into an unexpected winter wonderland. Local officials reported that the storm struck at around 5 PM on Wednesday, causing significant damage, including destroyed roofs of historic buildings such as the Civic Centre and the Market Building—structures over 150 years old.
The hail ranged in size from 2 to 4 centimeters and resulted in flash flooding, leading to power outages and closures within the town. Mayor Matt Driscoll described the storm as a sudden event that impacted a relatively small area, lasting only six to eight minutes.
Continuing Weather Disruptions Across Australia
The weather turmoil isn’t limited to Victoria. Across eastern Australia, the week has seen a continuation of severe weather patterns, following over 100,000 lightning strikes reported in north-west Western Australia. According to meteorologists from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), the same extreme weather system responsible for Castlemaine’s hailstorm is now moving towards New South Wales.
Meteorologist Angus Hines mentioned the possibility of additional storms over central northern NSW, with a significant chance of severe hail and damaging winds expected. Temperatures across the southeast of Australia are predicted to be slightly lower than usual for Friday. Sydney is projected to see a high of 19°C, while Melbourne will only reach up to 17°C.
Further Hail Forecasts
The threat of hail is not yet over for Victoria, as forecasters predict it could return to the eastern parts of the state, particularly around Gippsland, over the weekend. Showers and brisk winds will accompany the cool temperatures throughout New South Wales, with Sunday expected to bring temperatures that may dip as much as eight degrees below the September average.
Tasmania will also experience notably colder and wintery conditions, with forecasts indicating snowfall at altitudes as low as 200 meters. However, while these conditions will create a chilly atmosphere, it is unlikely they will result in snowfall in Hobart’s CBD.
Getting Prepared for the Weekend
As you prepare for the dynamic weekend ahead, it is essential to keep an eye on updated weather reports. Festival attendees should consider bringing along a rain jacket, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear to navigate the varying conditions expected in Victoria. The combination of increased cloudiness, potential showers, and the eventual return of sunshine offers a little bit of everything for those looking to enjoy local events.
The weather in Victoria can change a lot, so it’s important for everyone to be ready. This means getting ready for fun outdoor activities and also thinking about how to prevent wildfires. If we stay informed and take action, we can all have a safer and more enjoyable weekend, no matter what the weather is like.
