Extreme fire danger warning for large parts of Victoria as state swelters

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Victorians are bracing for more extreme heat today, with a total fire ban covering most of the state.

The temperature in Melbourne is forecast to hit 38 degrees, in what is expected to be the city’s hottest day so far this summer.

Other parts of the state can expect even hotter conditions, with the mercury expected to reach 43 degrees at Mildura and Birchip.

The severe weather today is heightening the risk of bushfires after more than 44 homes were destroyed when multiple bushfires burned in the Grampians National Park last week.

Today’s heat combined with the fierce winds are forecast to bring extreme fire danger to parts of south-western south-eastern regions.

In an update early today, the Bureau of Meteorology issued an extreme fire danger warning for the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, South West and Central fire districts.

“Thunderstorms will develop about central and eastern parts of the state during the day and may exacerbate the dangerous fire weather,” the bureau said.

There is a total fire ban in place for Mallee, Wimmera South West, Northern Country, North Central and Central districts.

The fire warnings in place today for Victoria.

Deputy chief officer of the CFA Rohan Luke said it would be a difficult day for firefighters, who are still battling blazes in Victoria’s west.

“While we’re not expecting to see the same conditions as last week, we are expecting to see a challenging day,” he said.

“The temperatures are increasing and it will be a dynamic situation, so we’re asking people to be vigilant.”

The hot weather comes as around 1200 AusNet customers remain without power, which is expected to come back online today.

The increased heat and humidity will also bring an increased risk of thunderstorms over parts of Victoria and New South Wales today, which may be severe in the Hunter and Mid North Coast districts in NSW. These storms could produce heavy rainfall, damaging winds and large hail.

Relief is expected by late afternoon in Victoria when a cooler south-westerly change sweeps in.