Beau Ryan and little Ted Ryan enjoy a swim at Moama Beach.
Echuca-Moama has been hit with a relentless heatwave over the past week, with temperatures reaching the low 40s.
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While the region avoided extreme heat, the Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings of severe heat early in the week.
Australia Day saw a high of 41.3°C before temperatures peaked on Tuesday, January 27 with a high of 44.5°C, making it the second-hottest day of the month so far.
A number of days have been declared total fire ban days for the CFA, with more possible as the heatwave continues.
While the heat eased slightly on Wednesday, January 28, with a high of 35.6°C, temperatures on Thursday, January 29 were expected to once again reach around 40°C.
While temperatures have eased in Victoria’s south, northern parts of the state are still experiencing higher-than-average temperatures.
The high temperatures will continue into the weekend, with Friday, January 30 expected to reach 42°C, while Saturday will be hotter still, with a forecast high of 43°C.
The heat is expected to finally ease on Sunday, with temperatures tipped to reach only 28°C.
Nicola Marshall and Courtney Allan catching up on some reading in the cool water.
What you should do
Stay cool on hot days: Use an air conditioner or a fan, wear light and loose clothing, or splash or spray cool water on to your skin.
Keep hydrated: Always take a drink bottle with you.
Check in with family, friends and neighbours: Let people know you are okay or check in on those at increased risk, including people over the age of 65, young children and babies, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
Plan ahead: Cancel or reschedule activities for a cooler time of the day and check the weather forecast regularly.
Heat can stress pets. Provide cool, clean water and shade for your pets and animals.
Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and monitor your health. To find out more information, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/heat-related-health-problems
As the heatwave continues, residents are encouraged to keep cool, close windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out and use fans or air conditioners to keep cool.
Residents are urged to be prepared for possible power outages, which are more likely during hot weather due to equipment failure, high demand and the impact of bushfires.
For further safety information before, during and after heatwaves, visit tinyurl.com/ycpvr8d9
People can find out if it is a total fire ban at cfa.vic.gov.au where declarations are usually published by 5pm the day before.
A total fire ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the ban.
People are urged to use the VicEmergency app or visit emergency.vic.gov.au to stay informed.
Melbournians Dina and Alon with their kids Ariel and Ellie, keeping cool at Moama Beach.
38°C