Hot temperatures are to be expected in Melbourne on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. In fact, it will easily be the hottest three-day period so far this summer, with heat expected to peak on Monday.

Image: Maximum temperatures for 3 February 2025 from ECMWF model.

Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 30s on Sunday and Monday, while temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach the mid-30s. Furthermore, overnight temperatures will be much warmer than normal. Temperatures on Monday morning are only expected to drop to the low 20s, with Tuesday morning being the most uncomfortable, with lows only falling to the mid-20s.

Given the scorching daytime highs and uncomfortable nighttime lows, it's not surprising that the city will meet the requirements for a severe heatwave during the next three days. Furthermore, much of central and eastern Victoria will also experience a severe heatwave from Sunday to Tuesday.

The heatwave can be attributed in part to northerly winds, which will persist in the capital city until about midday Tuesday. The northerly winds are transporting a hot air mass which has been present over the continent's interior for a while now. The northerly air flow will be strong enough to prevent a cooling seabreeze on Sunday and Monday. The heatwave will finally come to an end Tuesday afternoon with the passage of a cold front and an abrupt southerly change which looks to bring rapid cooling.

Image: Melbourne 10-day forecast issued 2 February 2025.

Looking further ahead, temperatures look to be much more comfortable for the latter half of this week and early next week.