'Oppressive' hot weather forecast for Vic
Victorians are being warned to prepare for hot conditions and an "oppressive" night as the mercury begins its climb into the 40s.
The city is forecast to reach 36C on Thursday, while low 40s are forecast for other parts of the state.
Melbourne will swelter through its hottest night in a year with the temperature dropping to just 29C, before hitting a top of 43C on Friday.
"The overnight minimum temperatures are nothing short of oppressive unfortunately," the Bureau of Meteorology's Richard Russell said.
Authorities are asking people not to take risks during the hot weather, including leaving children in cars or swimming at unpatrolled beaches. Twenty people have drowned in Victoria since December 1.
"Let's take something from these drowning deaths. Twenty people have lost their lives, that's 20 families and friends of those people that have been impacted," Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said.
A cool change is expected late on Friday, but it will bring wind gusts of up to 80km/h, thunderstorms and an increased fire risk.
Fire crews are on stand-by while extra paramedics and ambulances will be on call to assist those struggling in the heat, Mr Crisp added.
