Melbourne set for hottest October day in 98 years - The Australian

Beachgoers have been warned to slip, slop, slap. Picture: Ellen Smith. Source: HWT Image Library

HEAD to the beach if you can - Melbourne is about to swelter through one of the hottest October days in almost a century.

The summer spell will continue today with a forecast of 34C – just shy of the October record of 36.9C set in 1914.

The warm blast is expected to reach all corners of the state with the temperature forecast to hit 38C in Mildura, 35C in Echuca and 30C in Lakes Entrance.

While a late afternoon breeze will provide some relief in Melbourne, sun lovers are encouraged to slip, slop, slap with a very high UV alert in place from 9.20am.

Melbourne reached a maximum of 31.5C just after lunchtime yesterday, and dropped to a mild 19C overnight.

Today's hot blast will be short-lived with a cool change expected to sweep through Melbourne this evening.

Melburnians can expect scattered showers, cool winds and a chance of thunderstorms for the rest of the working week with a maximum of just 18C tomorrow and 19C on Friday.

On Saturday Derby Day racegoers will see a return to sunny conditions, with light winds and a top of 21C.

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning Victorians to prepare for a hot, dry summer caused by persistent warm waters in the Indian Ocean.

There is also a 60 per cent chance temperatures in Victoria will exceed the long-term maximums and minimums this summer.