'Look after yourselves,' authorities advise ahead of hot conditions

Bendigo is set to reach a top of 37 degrees tomorrow, followed by 42 degrees on Wednesday and 36 degrees on Thursday.

Friday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, so far, at 43 degrees.

The region is not alone. Large areas of inland Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales are expected to experience temperatures in the mid to high 40s.

The Bureau of Meteorology has highlighted the potential for a new Australian record.

"Australia's warmest day on record occurred in January 2013, when the average maximum temperature across the continent was 40.30 degrees Celsius," climatologist Dr Blair Trewin said.

"We're closely monitoring the development and progression of this heat but based on current forecasts we could see that record broken this week."

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said the conditions forecast for Victoria were unusual.

"It's weather we've not really seen in the state other than the odd day but what we will see is day after day," Mr Crisp said.

"We know, when that happens, that will have an impact on people's health and wellbeing."

He advised people to limit any unnecessary travel in the heat.

"If you are intending to go anywhere near the water for a bit of relief when we've got this hot weather, just be conscious of the conditions you're in and stay safe," Mr Crisp said.

"Sadly and tragically, we saw a spike in drowning deaths over last summer."

Heat health alerts have been issued for the North Central and Mallee weather districts on Wednesday and Thursday.

A further heat health alert has been issued for the Northern Country, North Central, Mallee, Central and North East on Friday.

People are advised to drink more water, to check in on others, to keep cool and to plan ahead.

They are advised never to leave kids, adults or pets in cars.

With several fires going in the state's east, Mr Crisp reiterated calls for people to prepare their properties for the heightened fire conditions that came with hot weather.

"Even though it is getting hot, there is still time," he said.

"People are still doing what they can do to prepare their property."

Mr Crisp urged people to consider whether they had a fire plan.

"Have you sat down with your family? Have you discussed what you are going to do, when you're going to leave when we've got those elevated fire conditions?" he said.

"If you're waiting for the smoke or to see the flames, it's just too late."

Mr Crisp urged people to take the time to download the Vic Emergency app and to familiarise themselves with emergency broadcast channels.

"Just please stay across the conditions," he said.

"We want you to travel across the state... but be mindful of the conditions in which you will be travelling.

"It's getting close to Christmas and I will say, enjoy time with your family and your friends. If you've got the opportunity to have a break, then please make sure you do so, but look after yourselves."

THERE is no room for complacency about fire risk this summer, Victoria's emergency management commissioner says.

Above normal bushfire potential is predicted for parts of central Victoria this season - namely, portions of both the Wimmera and the Mallee.

Gippsland is also at increased risk.

The above-normal bushfire potential in parts of central Victoria has been attributed to dry conditions.

Soil moisture is lower compared to the long-term average, the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook says.

The potential for fire behaviour to rapidly escalate during elevated fire weather conditions is even higher when grasses and crops are close to fully dry.

"We're only at the start of summer and we have five significant fires burning across the state, mainly in Gippsland," Mr Crisp said.

"These fires were a result of our Code Red day on November 21, where we had 150 fire starts across the state."

He expected this week would be a challenge for emergency services, with heat and elevated fire danger increasing pressure on existing fires.

"We'll do everything we can to keep communities safe, but we need the community to do their part, because staying safe over summer is a shared responsibility," Mr Crisp said.

He said it was critical people knew where they were in relation to existing fires, because conditions could change quickly.

"It is also important to stay informed of any new fires or emergencies, listen to information and warnings and be ready to enact your plan," Mr Crisp said.

"Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app and set up a watch zone for where you are or where you are going."

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