A SEVERE fire warning is in place for the south-west on Monday, with the temperature expected to reach 32 degrees in Warrnambool.
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Authorities have already dealt with one small fire this morning north of Hotspur between Heywood and Casterton.
Heywood and Casterton will be among the hottest towns in the region today, with Casterton expected to reach 35 and Heywood 34.
Casterton is predicted to go close to its October record of 35.2 degrees, recorded on October 12, 2006, while Heywood is predicted to top its record of 33.2 degrees recorded on October 30, 1987, according to Weatherzone.
In Warrnambool, temperatures passed the monthly average maximum of 17.8 degrees shortly after 9.30am, with the mercury topping 20 degrees by 10.30am.
The record temperature at Warrnambool Airport is 32.5, recorded on October 12, 2006, while the old weather station at Warrnambool Post Office recorded 33.8 degrees on October 27, 1977.
Hamilton and Mortlake are expected to reach a top of 33 on Monday, while Port Fairy and Portland are predicted to reach 32.
CFA district four and five duty officer Robert Howell said firefighters were at “a heightened level of awareness” on Monday, particularly around forested areas.
He said people should be vigilant around areas where recent burn-offs have been conducted.