Melbourne has had four seasons in one day with sunshine, thunderstorms, and humidity while parts of the state sweltered through dry heat.
The city snagged 5.6mm of rainfall in a thunderstorm on Wednesday evening to round out the fickle day of weather after the temperature soared to 38.1C.
"We do not get too many days like this in Melbourne - it has been very hot and humid," Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Rod Dickson said.
Thunderstorms and showers have been "fairly widespread" with up to 30mm in some parts of the state and possibly more to come before the cool change later, he added.
Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and large hailstones are still due to hit across a band of the state - spanning between Swan Hill to Wonthaggi - during the evening.
Laverton clocked winds up to 113km/h while Hopetoun recorded gusts up to 111km/h.
There is also scope for hail in northern and eastern suburbs later.
Glencarin recorded 38mm rainfall in an hour while Laverton had 24mm.
The State Emergency Service has received about 700 requests for help in the six hours to 8pm with the majority for trees down and building damage.
An out-of-control fire has prompted warning Aberfeldy, O'Keefe, Sullivans, The Junction, Thomson, Toner, Toombon, with residents urged to stay alert to any changes.
A total fire ban remains in place across the Mallee, Wimmera and South West.
Among Victoria's top temperatures were Mildura and Walpeup, both reaching 42.2C.
Melburnians will be treated to a relatively cool night ahead before a southwesterly wind crosses the state on Thursday and brings some reprieve.
