The mercury is predicted to reach the high 30s and low 40s across Victoria from Sunday to Tuesday, as part of a three-day heatwave.
The high temperatures also bring the chance of dry thunderstorms and lightning, increasing the risk of fires in western and central districts, including metropolitan Melbourne.
Fires continue to burn in Victoria's Grampians National Park while the threat in the Little Desert National Park has reduced after crews were able to contain the blaze.
Bushfires burning in the Grampians National Park sent a smoke haze as far as Adelaide on Sunday. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)
Firefighters are working to manage hazardous trees, set up containment lines and extinguish hotspots as those living nearby are warned to enact their bushfire plan as conditions worsen.
High levels of smoke and ash have been reported in the area, with a smoke haze from the Grampians fire blanketing Adelaide on Sunday morning.
It comes as fire crews ready for a longer-than-usual fire season, with little rain predicted for Victoria in February.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said the lack of rain could lead to a protracted bushfire season for the state already ravaged by blazes in its west.
"It means if you haven't prepared your property, I encourage you to do so," he told reporters on Saturday.
⚠️ Severe — Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) #Heatwave Warning for: Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North East, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland, Central, North Central and South West DistrictsWarning details: https://t.co/wuVZaaIFjBHow to stay safe in a heatwave: https://t.co/uoQYpp6v0I pic.twitter.com/YCxhy07jlSFebruary 1, 2025
"Trimming over-hanging branches, cleaning gutters protects your home against ember attack and really allows firefighters to concentrate on the main fire front, as well as looking after your property."
Fires are not the only danger, with Deputy Chief Health Officer Evelyn Wong reminding Victorians not to underestimate the incoming heatwave.
"Extreme heat can affect anybody," she told reporters on Saturday.
Authorities fear a protracted bushfire season for Victoria, with minimal rain forecast in February. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)
Most at risk were those older than 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute and chronic health conditions and socially isolated individuals.
"There are simple ways to keep cool, like using air conditioning or fans, drinking plenty of water, wearing light or loose clothing, keeping your skin wet with a spray bottle or a damp sponge," Ms Wong said.
Those struggling to stay cool in their homes should head somewhere cool with air conditioning, such as a shopping centre or a friend's place.
"Avoid being outside in the hottest part of the day, and please never leave kids in a hot car," Ms Wong said.
Elsewhere, vast parts of WA have high and extreme fire danger ratings on Sunday as North Queenslanders brace for historic rainfall leading to life-threatening flooding.
37°C