Melbourne weather: Australia Day long weekend forecast, 42 degree scorcher on Monday

Melburnians are set for beautifully warm weather on Australia Day before a sizzling hot end to the long weekend as temperatures climb into the 40s. See what’s in store for the city.

Victorians are set for a scorching hot end to the Australia Day long weekend before temperatures plummet back to the low 20s in a typical spate of fitful Melbourne summer weather.

In good news for those planning to break out the cricket stumps at the beach on Australia Day, temperatures are set to hit a balmy 26C with a zero per cent chance of rain in the Melbourne area.

The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting it could feel much cooler throughout Sunday — up to three degrees chillier — as partly cloudy conditions and light winds sweep Melbourne.

The northwestern suburbs are in for a chance of a morning shower while sun protection is recommended throughout the day as the UV index reaches an extreme rating of 11.

A top of 26 degrees is forecast for the Melbourne area on Australia Day. Picture: Richard Dobson

After beautifully warm weather on Sunday, aircons will be pumping come Monday with a top of 42C forecast for Melbourne.

Temperatures are set to climb to 31 degrees by 11am with a slight chance of a shower and thunderstorm.

Again, the Bureau predicts it will feel much cooler than it is throughout the day with partly cloudy conditions and northerly winds between 30 to 45km/h.

The mercury will hit the top of 42C (but feel like 37C) about 5pm before temperatures quickly plummet to 24C within a few hours.

The mercury will remain at low 20s across the board for the remainder of the week, with cloudy conditions and a top of 23C expected every day.