Does anyone actually read the paper for the news anymore, or are we all just here to see which highway is currently a parking lot? That is the barefaced question I find myself asking every morning as the trams rattle past my window. Melbourne is a city that never quite knows if it wants to be a global cultural hub or a giant coastal village, and today, it feels like a bit of both.
Here is the controversial truth: we complain about the four seasons in one day, but we secretly love the drama of it. It gives us something to talk about while we wait for our seven-dollar lattes. Today, the drama is real, the sun is fierce, and the streets are buzzing with that frantic, pre-Christmas energy that makes everyone drive like they have forgotten the meaning of a red light.
A scorching sun and the…
They’s calling it a heatwave, or at least the start of one. If you stepped outside this morning, you felt it immediately: that dry, northerly blast that turns the CBD into a convection oven. We are looking at a top of 33°C today, though some of my colleagues at the weather desk are whispering about 37°C in the outer north. It is a day for staying indoors, or at least finding a patch of shade that doesn’t disappear by noon.
The UV index is hitting a 10 today, which is basically “instant lobster” territory for anyone who forgets their hat. It is a stark reminder that summer is officially here, even if the clouds try to tease us later tonight with a 5% chance of a sprinkle. I really miss the old dim sims at South Melbourne market; they always tasted better in this heat for some reason. Anyway, keep the water bottles full and the air con humming.
Chaos at the supermarket aisles…
Unbelievable! I saw the reports coming in late yesterday and confirmed them this morning: riot police had to descend on Mordialloc. Apparently, a group of about 200 teenagers, many of them shirtless and barefoot, decided to turn a Woolworths into a playground. They were streaming through the aisles, pulling items off shelves and causing general mayhem. Good grief, what happened to just going to the beach and getting a Calippo?
The chaos didn’t stop at the checkout. The crowd regrouped at the Mordialloc pier, where some truly ugly violence broke out on the sand. Police were seen using pepper spray to get things under control, and at least one teen is still in custody this morning. It is a reminder that as the mercury rises, so do the tempers. Parents, maybe check in on where your kids are hanging out this afternoon.
The airport shuffle that…
If you were planning on flying out of Tullamarine today, my heart goes out to you. Truly, it does. There is a massive wave of disruptions hitting the aviation network right now. We are talking about 21 flight cancellations and over 500 delays across the country, but Melbourne is feeling the brunt of it. Qantas and Jetstar are struggling to stabilise their rotations, leaving hundreds of people slumped over their suitcases in the terminal.
The infrastructure is being pushed to its limits. One traveler I spoke to said they had been waiting six hours for a flight to Sydney that was supposed to take sixty minutes. It is the latest news update information you didn’t want to hear. If you are heading to the airport, check your flight status every ten minutes. Or maybe just drive. ~~The traffic is fine.~~ Actually, the Bolte is looking a bit grim as well.
The interrupted thought: What about the…
I was going to mention the court results from yesterday… wait, I should probably focus on the community vigils first… actually, the sentencing of Tom Silvagni is still the talk of the town. Six years for rape is what the judge handed down. It has been a heavy week in the courts, especially with the community still processing the vigils at Fed Square for the Bondi victims. The city landmarks were lit in white last night to show support. It’s times like these when Melbourne feels very small and very connected.
Sporting summer takes over…
Despite the heat and the drama, the “G” is ready for action. Tonight, we have the Melbourne Stars taking on the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. There is something about cricket under the lights that just feels right, even if the humidity is climbing.
Also, Melbourne United is facing off against the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL today. We are currently sitting in second place on the ladder, but the defense has been a bit shaky in the closing stages lately. We need a win to keep the Perth Wildcats off our tail. It is a busy day for sports fans, families and even the casual observers.
Art and culture for those…
For those who want to escape the sun, two major exhibitions are opening their doors today. The NGV is launching its summer blockbuster featuring the works of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo. It is a fashion lover’s dream. Meanwhile, over at ACMI, the “Game Worlds” exhibition is finally open, spanning fifty years of gaming history.
It is a great way to kill a few hours in a climate-controlled building. Just watch out for the crowds at Fed Square, as the Christmas Festival is also in full swing. The giant tree is up, the lights are dazzling, and the tourists are out in force.
Stay safe out there, Melbourne. It’s a hot one, it’s a busy one and it’s a bit of a mess, but it’s our mess.
Handwritten note: Don’t forget to pay the Myki fine before Friday or they’ll double it again!
