Melbourne’s eastern suburbs set to hit 40 degrees as part of nationwide heatwave

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has warned Victorians to be prepared for the scorching days ahead, with temperatures expected to surpass the 40-degree mark in other parts of the state.

In Mildura and Swan Hill the mercury is expected to hit 46 degrees.

Tips to stay safe during times of extreme heat include drinking plenty of water, staying cool by seeking out air-conditioned buildings, planning ahead and scheduling activities to the coolest part of the day, seeking shade when possible, wearing a hat and sunscreen, avoiding exercising in the heat, and checking in on others most at risk in the heat.

Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heat if left in enclosed areas like parked cars, where temperatures can more than double within minutes, and which are often 20 to 30 degrees hotter than outside.

Ambulance Victoria data shows paramedics made 117 callouts to people in locked cars in November with the total reports in the past year surpassing 1210.

The CFA has declared a Total Fire Ban is in place today across a number of areas of the state, including the Central region.

No fires can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01AM to 11.59PM.

Strong north to northwest winds, with damaging gusts of up to 80 km/h, are expected ahead of a south to south-westerly cool change, which will sweep across the state from the southwest at around 2PM, extend further west by 5PM, and reach central parts of the state by 8PM.

Before the change, dry thunderstorms and lightning are possible, while the change itself may bring wet thunderstorms.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said Victorians need to take warnings seriously and prepare accordingly.

“Total Fire Bans are declared to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading in dangerous weather conditions,” he said.

“With strong winds and the potential for fire spotting up to two to three kilometres ahead of the main fire front, any fire that starts could spread rapidly and threaten homes, communities, and lives.”

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