BALLARAT is having its hottest March in four years, with temperatures remaining above 30 degrees six days in a row.
Weatherzone meteorologist Rob Sharpe said the weather was quite unusual for autumn.
“The average temperature for this region in March is 22.4 degrees,” Mr Sharpe said.
“Last year in March, the hottest day was 27.5 degrees but we have had many days already above that.
“All but two days so far in March have been above that figure.”
However, he said relief was on its way with a cool change expected tomorrow.
“Forecast for today is going to be well into the 30s before it drops back tomorrow with a cool change in the morning,” he said.
“This is due to a frontal system – a cold front just to the south is bringing cool air, driving temperatures back to the mid-20s.”
Mr Sharpe said a stronger cold front would arrive on Saturday, dropping the maximum temperatures to about 20 degrees on the weekend.
“We are expecting temperatures to gradually warm back up after the weekend, however we will only see maybe one or two days reaching above 30 degrees,” he said.
“It’s been four years (since) we have had any days above 30 degrees in March,
“The last time we had one day above 30 degrees was in 2009.”
He attributed the heatwave to a hot air mass over central Australia.
“It filtered into eastern Australia gradually over the last week due to a high pressure system situated to the east,” Mr Sharpe said.
Meanwhile, City of Ballarat acting director, people and communities Neville Ivey said the council was considering extending the outdoor Eureka Pool’s opening season.
“Eureka Pool is scheduled to close on March 30 but extending the season is something the council is actively considering,” Mr Ivey said.
“We hope to have a decision on that next week.”
Mr Ivey said the extension would still be subject to council’s hot and cold temperature policy.
“... If the ambient temperature is below a certain level, we don’t open the pool because people don’t want to swim,” he said.
“Equally, when the temperature is above a certain level, we keep the pool open for an hour longer past the closing time.”
neelima.choahan@fairfaxmedia.com.au