Severe heat health and fire danger warnings have been issued in parts of Victoria.
There is a severe fire danger warning for the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country, and very high-to-high fire danger warnings for the rest of the state.
![Sweltering humid conditions in Victoria's north are set to continue with heat health and fire danger warnings on Thursday.](/web/20170209041144im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/9/1/3/4/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gu903j.png/1486608813607.jpg)
Total Fire Bans are in place for the Mallee, Wimmera and Central districts.
Temperatures in the north of the state are set to hit 40 to 45 degrees, sparking a heat health warning for all northern areas, including East Gippsland, Mallee, North Central, Northern Country, North East and Wimmera regions.
In Mildura, on Wednesday night, they had the warmest February minimum overnight on record with 30.6 degrees, senior meteorologist Claire Yeo from the Bureau of Meteorology's extreme weather desk said.
A total fire ban has been issued for northern and central Victoria, including Melbourne. https://t.co/X4greIyrt0 pic.twitter.com/pdmgEU0tzx
— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) February 8, 2017
Ms Yeo said the weak change would not push across the Great Dividing Range, keeping temperatures high in the north of the state and keeping them warm overnight.
She said Victorians were used to hot summers but humid weather was less common.
At midday there were three reported fires in country areas - a bushfire at Lexton, near Clunes, two grass fires, one at Calder Park, north of Melbourne, and near Swan Hill, in northern Victoria. All were reported to be under control.
Ms Yeo said rainfall last weekend had taken some of the sting out of the fire dangers, but hot temperatures and winds of up to 70km/h increased the risk.
"It could be worse at this time of year, if we had not had the rainfall and humidity," Ms Yeo said.
State Response Controller Steve Warrington said the combination of heat and strengthening northerly winds had increased the fire risk. He said firefighters were also focused on the grassland fire risk around Melbourne.
"We have 58 aircraft on standby today, and we are paying particular attention to dry grasslands close to urban fringes, which have the potential to move rapidly," Mr Warrington said.
"If you live in an urban fringe area and a fire starts, remember the safest option is to move two streets back," he said.
Approaching wind change seen on Doppler. Expected 1-2pm in #MelbCity but it will take a while to cool down! 😓 https://t.co/6NUItVxFQE pic.twitter.com/m4mAGvmqlj
— BOM Victoria (@BOM_Vic) February 9, 2017
He warned that people attending outdoor events, such as the Southern 80 water and ski racing event in Echuca-Moama, should be aware of the fire risk, keep hydrated with water and avoid sun exposure. He said campfires should be completely extinguished before campers leave.
State Health Commander Paul Holman echoed the warning, saying Victorians need to keep hydrated and watch their alcohol intake during the heat.
"Heat is one of the biggest impacts on our communities," said Mr Holman.
"There are simple precautions everyone can take to minimise the impact of heat, such as reduce your activity, stay hydrated, check on family and friends and never leave kids or pets in hot cars."
For emergency information, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au, download the VicEmergency app, call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, listen to local ABC radio.