Extreme heat, severe thunderstorms to bring wild end to summer in Melbourne

Melbourne is bracing for a wild end to summer with sweltering heat, an extreme fire warning and the chance of a severe thunderstorm before autumn makes an early appearance.

Melbourne is set for autumn-like conditions after extreme weather on Thursday.

Melbourne is bracing for a wild end to summer with sweltering heat, an extreme fire rating and the chance of a severe afternoon thunderstorm.

It was an uncomfortable sleep in Melbourne overnight on Wednesday with temperatures hovering about 24C — but feeling more like 26C — following a day of blazing heat.

Melburnians can expect another sweltering day on Thursday, with temperatures already topping 27C by 8.30am.

Fire crews remain on high alert as the mercury is set to peak at 37C just after 2pm, accompanied by strong winds of up to 50km/h.

Victorians will be soaking up the heat on Thursday before temperatures plummet.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a fire warning on Thursday for the north central, southwest and central regions of the state, including Melbourne.

The bureau said the city could be lashed with severe thunderstorms and dry lightning as a cool change stirs conditions in the afternoon.

Those storms are most likely to hit central parts of the state from about 5pm, with a chance of light rain.

State Control Centre spokesperson Luke Heagerty said storms coming with or behind Thursday’s wind change would continue into Friday in the eastern part of Victoria.

“The next couple of days are not just about the fire danger for today, we’re also asking people to keep an eye on that storm risk that carries into Friday,” he said.

Fires in the Grampians and Little Desert National Park have both been contained, with crews monitoring conditions under the threat of increased winds.

Milder temperatures are forecast for Melbourne from Friday. Picture: David Crosling

A cool change is forecast to put an end a string of beach-perfect summer weather, with plummeting temperatures bringing an early start to autumn.

Rain, clouds and temperatures in the low 20s — well below Melbourne’s February average of 25.9C — will roll into next week.

On Friday, the city is in for a chance of an early thunderstorm and a top of 23C before temperatures drop again —with a top of just 18C and showers for Saturday and Sunday.

Monday will hit 21C and temperatures will rise slightly to 23C on Wednesday.