Victorian firefighters are bracing for hot, dry and windy conditions across the state, amid warnings bushfire conditions will be at their worst so far this season.
Monday has been declared a total fire ban day across the state and temperatures are forecast to hit 42 degrees in parts of Victoria, prompting a health warning in some districts.
The Country Fire Authority had 72 aircraft on standby on Monday morning, including 39 fire-bombing aircraft.
Firefighters would be watching grassland areas across Geelong and Ballarat, CFA Jordan Oliver said. He said the Wimmera, Gippsland and foothills in the state's north-east, were also areas of concern.
"We are just saying today is a significant fire danger day and ... anything could happen, anywhere," he said.
Mildura and Swan Hill are set to hit 42 degrees, Albury-Wodonga will see a peak of 41 degrees and Orbost in East Gippsland is expected to reach 40 degrees.
CFA (Country Fire Authority)A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the whole state of Victoria for Monday 30 January 2017. For more
— Pakenham CFA (@PakenhamCFA) January 29, 2017
The Victorian Health Department has issued a heat health warning for the North Central, North East, and Northern Country districts.
It is going to be a hot Monday for Melbourne too, but forget a beach trip - or at least, don't expect much sun.
An increasing shield of high-level cloud will spoil the summer fun potential of the forecast 34 degrees.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Richard Carlyon said the day would be windy and cloudy, with a smattering of rain.
"It is certainly not a hot, sunny summer's day," Mr Carlyon said.
WEATHER: A partly cloudy day in Melbourne today with a top of 34°C. #9News pic.twitter.com/Kr2vW9ylF3
— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) January 29, 2017
"We do have a strong wind warning over the waters, but over the beach ... it is going to be fresh and gusty winds," he said.
"Winds will be reasonably fresh ... around 15 to 25 knots around the coast, but with stronger gusts at times."
The temperature will peak around 1pm, but will drop to 30 degrees with the westerly change and stay around that mark for the rest of the afternoon.
But at least we'll be able to sleep in peace.
A cool change in the evening will see the temperature drop to the mid-teens.
"There will be some change early afternoon as the hot northerly wind shifts westerly, but the true cooler change won't arrive until 7pm or 8pm," Mr Carlyon said.
"The temperature will drop to 16 degrees: it should be a fairly comfortable night."
For information on what is permitted on a total fire ban day, check the Can I and Can't I page on the CFA website.
For bushfire and grass fire warnings visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au.