FORECASTERS have warned Saturday's extreme temperatures could create Victoria's worst-ever bushfire conditions.
Bureau of Meteorology fire weather forecaster Scott Williams said firefighters and the community were "looking at an extremely dangerous day", with temperatures well above 40C predicted for much of the state.
"It could be the highest fire danger rating ever achieved in the state," Mr Williams said.
He likened the conditions to "a certain day 26 years ago" - Ash Wednesday - with a southwest wind change predicted in the evening.
The Bureau of Meteorology calculates daily fire weather forecasts based on anticipated temperature, dew point, humidity and fire fuel levels.
It then issues its Forest Fire Danger Index and Grassland Fire Danger Index figures, both out of 100.
Mr Williams said both figures were forecast to be 100 for much of the state on Saturday, although the true figures were much higher.
"Once it reaches 100 the fire conditions are very extreme, it's worst-case scenario," he said.
"There's no point having the index go any higher than that.
"Basically, you've got a situation where once a fire is going, the spread of fire is so quick that no authority can control it."
BOM forecasters have predicted Saturday's temperatures will reach:
- 46C in Mildura and Swan Hill.
- 45C in Echuca.
- 44C in Albury, Wangaratta and Bendigo.
- 43C in Shepparton, Horsham, Seymour and Melbourne.
In southern NSW, temperatures are tipped to reach 45C at Deniliquin and Hay.
But Mr Williams warned the forecasts were "conservative".
"It could go higher than that and it has the potential to break some all-time temperature records."
He said one-off days of extreme heat were more dangerous than a heatwave, such as the one Victoria experienced last week.
"With a one-off hot day, you've got a weather front which is moving through rapidly with stronger winds and that can create a lot more trouble."
Bushfire scientist David Packham said the prospects for Saturday were "horrible".
"I doubt if the state has ever before faced such extreme conditions, with fuel levels higher than ever," Mr Packham said.
- Are you prepared? What are your memories of the Ash Wednesday fires? Have Your Say using the form below.
