Vic has experienced its hottest day so far this summer, with temperatures peaking at 39.9C in the CBD.
TENS of thousands flocked to Victoria's beaches as the first scorcher of summer baked the state.
The Melbourne mercury peaked just under the forecast high of 40C in mid-afternoon on Thursday, by which time it was almost standing room only at St Kilda beach.
HOT WEATHER: SEARCH LIVE CONDITIONS NEAR YOU
The state's north saw the highest temperatures, with thermometers hitting 42.6C in Mildura, 43.1C at Swan Hill and 44.2C, the day's highest reading, at Hopetoun Airport in the Mallee. Avalon airport near Geelong hit 41.1C.
A total fire ban has been declared for Friday in the Mallee and in Victoria's north and northeast districts, with the fire danger rated as severe.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Peter Blake warned of more hot days ahead in Melbourne.
A packed St Kilda beach. Picture: Alex Coppel
"There is a possibility we will have something similar in January,'' he said.
But in the short term, he warned that today would deliver more of the same in northern Victoria, with expected highs of 44C in Mildura and 43C in Swan Hill.
Commuters faced predicted stuffy delays of up to 20 minutes on Thursday as Metro trains slowed to operate on a "heat timetable" across Melbourne.
Buses replacing trains on the Upfield line due to a power supply fault.
Sixteen train services were cancelled.
Metro said trains were subject to speed restrictions when temperatures reached 38C, and cancelling trains in advance prevented congestion.
Isabelle, Evie and Stephanie cool off in the water at St Kilda beach.
Melbourne paramedics treated about 20 people for heat exposure.
Ambulance Victoria operations manager Paul Holman said: "By 3pm we had half a dozen people quite seriously injured, all elderly. This is an extreme day for this time of year and people aren't adjusting their behaviour."
He warned that it was vital for all Victorians to look out for each other in scorching conditions.
"On extreme days you need to look after yourself, look after your mates, and particularly look after the elderly," Mr Holman said.
Life Saving Victoria spokeswoman Jennifer Roberts said 18 life saving clubs including Edtihvale, Blackrock and Frankston had put extra patrols on yesterday in anticipation of the crowds that duly arrived.
Melbourne there will be a slight reprieve on Friday, with the city's high likely to be 29C, with a shower or two developing and a cool change likely in the afternoon.
Tourist Martin Schober playing beach volleyball at St Kilda beach.Picture: Hamish Blair
Maria Thattil, 21, and Jessica Torres, 20, headed to Middle Park Beach to cool off. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Limited
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