IT is historically the second hottest month of the year, but so far February has proven this summer keeps getting warmer.
And it’s only going to get hotter, after a string of sweltering days of oppressive temperatures.
Maximum temperatures since Thursday have been in the mid-to-highs 30s, with Tuesday’s maximum of 40 degrees set to continue that heatwave.
It reached 30 degrees by 9.30am Monday and hit 39.1 degrees just after 3pm.
It was expected to be a restless night’s sleep with the minimum not dropping below 25 degrees.
Swan Hill residents will feel the reprieve arrive early Wednesday, when a low of 13 degrees was forecast before a more mild 26-degree maximum.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast 29 on Thursday and 32 on Friday, before the mercury climbs again at the weekend, 35 on Saturday and 37 on Sunday.
The average maximum temperature so far this month was 33.1 degrees – above the long-term average of 32.2 and just below the long-term average for January 33.3 degrees.
Last months mean maximum was down on the long-term average, at 31.5 degrees.
The hottest day so far this year was 40.5 degrees on February 4.
February has also been a dry month, with 0.8mm recorded for the heart of the Murray. According to historic records, the rural city, on average, receives 18mm in February.
A total fire ban has been declared for Tuesday in the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country districts, where the fire danger rating is “extreme”.
No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12.01am until 11.59pm.
Bureau senior meteorologist Briony Macpherson said temperatures across the state over the next few days would be about eight to 12 degrees above average.
“The north-west of the state will be the hottest – Mildura will reach 40 degrees, most of the Mallee and Wimmera will be 37 degrees to 41 degrees,” she said.
“Parts of Gippsland will reach around 37 degrees which is very warm for down there.”
Victorians were urged to drink plenty of water, wear a hat and loose-fitting clothing, stay in airconditioned buildings and check up on sick or elderly friends and family during the heat.
Authorities also warned to never leave kids, adults or pets in hot cars, as the temperature inside parked cars can double within minutes.
