A HEATWAVE it set to take hold of the region this weekend with temperatures expected to soar into the 40s for the next five days.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is warning of hotter than average temperatures starting from today.

These conditions are set to stay across the weekend and into next week with Swan Hill and Kerang likely to top 40 degrees on each day.

Meteorologist David Crock from the BOM is asking people to take adequate precautions in the heat.

"It is possible areas such as Swan Hill could reach the low forties with warm nights adding to the discomfort," he said.

"Residents should seek a place out of the sun to keep cool and check in on neighbours who may be vulnerable."