BALLARAT residents have been urged to play it safe this Saturday as the city swelters through its hottest day so far this summer.
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With the mercury expected to hit 38C, Saturday will be the Ballarat's hottest day since February 9 last year. Temperatures are also expected to soar elsewhere in the state on Saturday - with Geelong and Bendigo expecting a high of 42C.
Following the scorching start to the month, Melbourne and Victoria could expect a hotter January than average, according to Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Chris Godfred on Thursday.
Ballarat averaged 27.3C last January with a top of 37.3 on January 17.
The UV Index is expected to remain an extreme level to Monday, which means unprotected skin can burn in less than 10 minutes, according to Cancer Council Victoria.
A total fire ban has been declared for the whole of Victoria on Saturday, with forecast hot and windy weather raising the fire danger rating in the Ballarat region to severe. CFA advises people living in areas at risk of fire to activate their bush fire plan.
State parks and forests across the Grampians region will remain open, but Forest Fire Management Victoria is reminding campers it is illegal to light a campfire on a total fire ban day. Assistant chief fire officer Grampians region Peter Kambouris said had crews extinguished a number of unattended campfires during the Christmas and New Year period.
Cycling Australia Road National Championships will run a shortened program in Buninyong on Saturday in the interests of health and well-being of athletes, volunteers and spectators. Under-19 men and women’s road races will run concurrently. A top of 25C is expected for the elite road races on Sunday.
