Extreme spring heat and wind gusts up to 100km/h herald an early start to Victoria's bushfire season, fire authorities fear.
Total fire bans have been declared in all western and central regions of the state after days of temperatures well above the October average and months of below-average rain.
On Tuesday, strong northerly winds before a cool, largely dry change is expected.
The fire bans are in force until midnight in the Central, North Central, Northern Country, South West, Wimmera and Mallee districts.
They affect metropolitan Melbourne and the regional centres of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour, Mildura, Swan Hill, Shepparton, Warrnambool, Hamilton and Horsham.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley says the forecast is a significant concern so early in the season.
"This wind is actually drying Victoria, and it will significantly set the scene for what is the summer ahead of us, and it's very early," he told reporters on Monday.
"It's October, and the Bureau of Meteorology has reported that these are abnormal conditions for this time of year."
The worst conditions are expected in the Mallee and North Central regions, where extreme fire danger is forecast for the first time in Victoria this season.
Severe fire danger is forecast for a second day in the South West and Central districts.
