People are being urged to take care with the mercury set to soar into the 40s in parts of the south-west on Thursday.
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Thursday has been declared a total fire ban day across the south-west district with temperatures forecast to hit 39 in Warrnambool, 41 in Hamilton and Mortlake and 40 in Port Fairy.
Forest Fire Management Victoria assistant chief fire officer Andrew Morrow said firefighters would be on standby over the next two days, with the fire danger rated as severe.
“Forests and parks in the south-west of the state are already very dry,” he said.
“Significant spring rainfall led to extensive grass growth in the district. That grass has now dried out and is potential fuel for grass and bushfires. Under severe fire weather and windy conditions, fires can develop rapidly.”
Mr Morrow urged people to be alert and remain informed.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the mercury will stay in the 30s in Warrnambool on Friday, with inland areas like Hamilton and Mortlake forecast to hit 40 degrees.
People are also being told to try to keep cool in the extreme heat. Those most at risk are older people, young children and people with a medical condition.
The state health department urges people to drink plenty of water, try to stay somewhere cool and never leave anyone in a car.