Victoria to bake as hot, dry conditions continue after Christmas

Parts of Victoria have already hit 40C as temperatures skyrocket across the state. Melbourne is set to swelter through its hottest day in more than 10 months.

Sisters Eloise, Chloe and Elise enjoy the Boxing Day weather at Blairgowrie. Picture: Sarah Matray

Parts of Victoria have already hit 40C as temperatures skyrocket across the state.

Melbourne is expected to suffer through its hottest day in more than 10 months with the mercury tipped to peak at 36C.

The heat began early with temperatures soaring into the 30s by mid-morning.

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Saylor, 11, tests out her Christmas present at Blairgowrie. Picture: Sarah Matray

Christian and Kate Aird hit the beach with their daughters, Amelia, 3, and Evelyn, 3. Picture: Sarah Matray

But lunchtime it had already hit 42C at Walpeup in Victoria’s northwest.

Swan Hill and Mildura also hit 40C by 12 noon.

In Melbourne a southerly wind is keeping conditions cooler near the bay. The city reached 32C at 12 noon.

It was much warmer away from the bay — Melbourne Airport and Essendon Airport hit 37C by lunchtime.

The heatwave is expected to continue until the weekend with hot, dry conditions keeping firefighters on high alert.

Total fire bans are in place in the Mallee and Wimmera regions but Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp said there was potential for bushfires across the entire state.

“It’s hot across all of Victoria and fires can occur in any of those areas,” Mr Crisp said.

“Victoria in the summer is a great place to be — we want people to move across the state and enjoy the beaches,” he said.

“But on those really hot days, it’s really important you know when to enact your (fire) plan,

“It’s too late when you start to see the smoke,” Mr Crisp said.

Amelia, 6, and Evelyn, 3, make the most of Wednesday’s good weather. Picture: Sarah Matray

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Weather bureau senior forecaster Kevin Parkyn warned country Victorians were heading for record breaking temperatures.

Kerang in northern Victoria will sweat through five consecutive days above 40C — the longest spell in almost 90 years.

Mr Parkyn said the state was also in for a series of “stifling” nights.

“Across northern Victoria temperatures will eventually fall to below 30C,” he said.

Melburnians can expect hot nights with 21- 24C forecast until Saturday, Mr Parkyn said.

“In the south we’re a little bit better but still quite warm,” he said.

Millions of holiday makers are expected to flock to beaches and waterways around the state to cool off.