Victoria will continue to sweat through a heatwave at the start of March after the state experienced its hottest summer.
Bureau of Meteorology senior climatologist Blair Trewin says there was a "persistent and extreme heat", particularly in December and January.
"Averaged over the state its the hottest summer on record," Dr Trewin said.
"It's the first time ever in Melbourne where we've had a summer without a day below 19C."
On Friday, Melbourne is expected to reach 37C followed by two days of 36C across the weekend.
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Across the state temperatures will vary from the mid-30s to 41C.
A severe fire danger rating and total fire ban has been issued for the southwest of Victoria, while the rest of the state is rated a very high fire danger.
A heat health alert has also been issued for the central district.
