The Sizzle and the Shutdown: Your Melbourne Morning Briefing

The City Mood: A Sizzling Summer Peak

Melbourne is waking up to a classic February scorcher. With temperatures forecast to hit between 34°C and 36°C today, the city is steeped in that unmistakable late-summer hum. The sky is expected to remain clear, and while the morning commute might be comfortable, the afternoon will demand plenty of hydration and sun protection. As the school term settles in, the city mood is a blend of work-week hustle and a collective effort to stay cool in the mid-30s heat. It is a day for the city’s outdoor pools and shaded laneways as we soak up one of the final heatwaves of the season.

Key Talking Point: The Tullamarine Turbulence

If you have a late-night flight or are heading to Melbourne Airport tonight, you need to plan ahead. A significant talking point across the city today is the scheduled overnight closure of the Tullamarine Freeway. Starting at 10:00 PM tonight, Tuesday, 17 February, the freeway will be closed in both directions between Mickleham Road and Sunbury Road. This shutdown is essential for the installation of massive new overhead gantries and signage as part of the airport's major pick-up and drop-off zone upgrades.

Authorities and airlines are advising travelers to allow at least an extra 20 to 30 minutes for their journey, with detours in place via Sharps Road and Airport Drive. For those catching early morning international flights tomorrow, the recommendation is even more cautious: arrive up to three hours early to navigate the potential congestion and detours that will remain in place until 5:00 AM Wednesday.

Feel-Good Story: Welcoming the Year of the Horse

In a vibrant burst of color and community spirit, the Queen Victoria Market is the place to be today to celebrate the Lunar New Year. While festivities have been running across the city, today specifically marks a major cultural activation at the market to welcome the Year of the Horse. Visitors can expect traditional lion dances, vibrant cultural displays, and a feast of authentic street food. It is a wonderful opportunity for Melburnians to come together and celebrate the city's rich multicultural fabric in one of its most iconic landmarks.

In Brief: Around Town

• Sports: Basketball fans are keeping a close eye on Melbourne United as the NBL season reaches its climax. The team is currently fighting through a series of injuries as they push toward the finals.
• Culture: The Formula 1 Exhibition continues at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), offering an immersive look at the sport's history ahead of the Albert Park season opener.
• Family Fun: For those looking to escape the heat, the "Balloon Story" exhibition at MCEC remains a hit, featuring massive sculptures made from hundreds of thousands of balloons.