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Victorians are warned to prepare for temperatures exceeding 40 degrees today as Christmas Day turns into a scorcher.
VicEmergency issued a severe heatwave warning for sweltering conditions across the state on Christmas Day as warm northerly winds from central Australia sweep across Victoria.
Melbourne is set for a high of 30 degrees today but parts of the north-west will see much higher temperatures.
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The Bureau of Meteorology said temperature ranges will be between 35 and 40 degrees for much of the state between Sunday and Tuesday.
"Maximum Temperatures reaching the mid to high thirties and overnight temperatures in the high teens to low twenties across Victoria from Sunday," the bureau said.
"The heat will peak Monday and Tuesday with mid to high thirties, reaching forty in the northwest.
"A cool change from the west will ease heatwave conditions from Wednesday."
Although Christmas Day will feel like a scorcher for Victorians, the bureau said no heat records will be broken this year.
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https://twitter.com/vicemergency/status/1606521966843789313
Mildura, Shepparton, Cobram, Swan Hill, Ouyen, Birchip, and Warracknabeal are all forecast to reach above 37 degrees today.
Other towns that will likely be reaching for the fan or air conditioner today include Bendigo, Horsham, Maryborough, Seymour, Stawell and Wangaratta, the bureau said.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said Victorians should check in on those at risk as the heatwave sweeps across the state.
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"First real heat this summer so please check in on those most at risk – elderly, very young, those with chronic conditions and don't forget pets," he said.
"And never leave kids in hot cars. Oh, and Merry Christmas!"
VicEmergency warned extreme heat can affect anybody and Victorians should be prepared today.
"Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion which can lead to the life-threatening condition, heatstroke," the emergency service said.
"Heatstroke is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases but it is preventable."
During a heatwave, Victorians are urged to drink plenty of water, never leave kids, pets or adults in hot cars, use a fan or take cool showers, schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and look out for those most at risk.
It comes as Victoria shivered through its lowest summer temperature on record just a few weeks ago.
As Christmas Day unfolds, most of Australia will be treated to warm temperatures as a welcome reprieve from months of rain.
Source: 9News
