The Victorian capital experienced a sweltering day, with temperatures peaking at 37 degrees just before midday. This intense heat is predicted to persist throughout the day, with the mercury expected to linger around 30 degrees even as the sun sets.

Several towns across Victoria are bracing for even higher temperatures. In the state’s north-west, Mallee might see the thermometer soar to 44 degrees, presenting a challenging day for residents.

Other areas including Horsham, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, and Wangaratta are also forecasted to surpass the 40-degree mark. Such extreme conditions warrant vigilance and precaution.

A watch and act warning has been issued for the communities of Benalla and Goomalibee, urging residents to stay alert and prepared.

The oppressive heat has contributed to a grass fire outbreak in the Broken Creek area, adding to the concerns of the day. Residents are advised to stay informed and follow any instructions from local authorities.

There is also a fire ban in the Wimmera in Victoria’s Grampians, where temperatures are expected to be 42 degrees.

Tomorrow will bring similar extreme heat with a top of 34 degrees.

“This is the hottest day of the current spell of warm weather,” Bureau of Meteorology’s Angus How said.

“Temperatures will cool off towards the back half of the day for southern Victoria.”

The pre-weekend heatwave in Melbourne is expected to subside by Saturday.

Saturday’s temperature is forecast to reach just 24 degrees and it is expected to be a rainy Sunday with similar cooler temperatures.

There is an 80 per cent chance of rain for Sunday in Melbourne.

Slightly cooler in Sydney

It will be cooler today in Sydney as temperatures nudge 30 degrees.

But tomorrow will bring a fresh heatwave as the bureau forecasts a top of 36 degrees.

However, some NSW towns may brush 40 degrees, including Wagga Wagga in the NSW Riverina region.

An extreme heatwave warning is in place for the South Coast region until Saturday, while a severe warning is active for the Mid-North Coast, Northern Tablelands, Hunter, Illawarra, metropolitan Sydney, Snowy Mountains and Riverina regions.

“Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.

“Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.

“Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.”

Temperatures soar in Canberra

An extreme heat warning is also in place for Canberra in the ACT.

Temperatures are similarly high, with a top of 36 degrees expected to arrive by 3pm.

Tomorrow will also bring a peak of 36 degrees before a few days of rain in the nation’s capital.

Fire bans in South Australia

It’s just as hot over in Adelaide as the temperatures look to reach 40 degrees too.

The summer heatwave has also prompted several total fire bans in South Australia after hot and blustery conditions sparked a fire near American River on Kangaroo Island.

Further north in SA, areas including Orroroo, Jamestown and Booborowie are sweltering under temperatures in the high-30s.