The rain is hammering against my home office window, and for once, I’m genuinely happy about it. After nearly six months of unusually dry weather, this downpour feels like nature finally remembered where Victoria is on the map.

Looking at the Bureau of Meteorology data, the situation has been particularly dire. The entire southern coastline, including the Southwest of Victoria, has been experiencing severe drought conditions, with some areas recording their lowest 24-month rainfall on record. Warrnambool, typically one of our wetter regions, just recorded its highest daily total in 18 months - and it’s about time.

The city’s been buzzing lately about our gloriously warm summer nights. Social media is filled with stories of late-night pool parties and evening barbecues stretching well past midnight - scenes that feel more Mediterranean than Melbourne. While many are celebrating this “perfect summer,” there’s an undercurrent of concern that’s impossible to ignore.

Looking out my window at the Dandenongs in the distance, I’m struck by the double-edged nature of this weather. The warm evenings are undeniably pleasant, but the tinder-dry conditions have local fire services on high alert. Friends living in the hills share stories of firefighters conducting preparedness checks, and the anxiety is palpable in their messages.