THINGS are heating up in the Mallee, with the mercury set to soar to 41 degrees in Swan Hill today.
If the predicted high is reached, it will be the hottest November day in the region since November 29, 2012, when the temperature reached 45.6 degrees.
There will be a minimum of 13 degrees with light winds becoming northeasterly 20 to 25 kilometres per hour in the evening.
The burst of hot weather has forced fire authorities to declare the Mallee as severe fire danger with a very high chance of a total fire ban today and tomorrow.
“Our main message to people in weather above 40 degrees is to be vigilant and limit types of activities that you would normally do on a cooler day,” Country Fire Authority (CFA) Swan Hill commander Mick Sporton said.
“This includes things like slashing or using grinders.”
Mr Sporton also encouraged all farmers harvesting to do any cropping processes early in the morning and remain vigilant.
“There is a very high chance that tomorrow will be a total fire ban day but it’s not just fire risk, the heat is a factor as well,” he said.
“Keep and eye on neighbouring properties and check on the elderly and the vulnerable.”
Mr Sporton also reminded all campers or holidaymakers to be very mindful and aware of their surroundings.
“If it is a total fire ban day, no fires are allowed to be lit in open air and have a plan B in case something does happen,” he said.
“If you do see anything, don’t hesitate to call 000.”
Further ways to stay cool in the hot weather are to stay indoors or in a shaded area, keep the curtains drawn, visit the local pool, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
The hot day today will be followed by a mostly sunny, windy day tomorrow with raised dust and a high of 37 degrees with temperatures easing at the weekend.
