Ballarat is headed for a windy top of 36 degrees on Thursday but parts of the state will bake with Mildura expecting a second consecutive day above 40 degrees.

A Code Red day signals the worst possible grass and bushfire conditions and the safest place to be is away from high risk fire areas within those districts.

Both the Mallee and Northern Country areas, which takes in areas including Bendigo are listed as a Code Red for Thursday.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said if a fire starts in the conditions predicted it will be "uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving with a high likelihood that people in the path of a fire will be killed or seriously injured in these conditions".

Mr Crisp said Victoria had not experienced a Code Red Day previously and this needed to be taken seriously.

"Our message to the community in these areas is that leaving high bushfire risk areas tonight or early tomorrow morning is the safest option," he said.

"We know this can be difficult to plan for and some will find it inconvenient. As a result of the predicted conditions, some schools and early childhood centres will be closed in some weather districts and community services may not be available.

"Your plans need to suit your circumstances, however going to your nearest regional city centre, going to the movies, the pool, or a shopping centre are some options people can consider."

The scorcher is only expected to be short lived with a cool change coming overnight Thursday into Friday and tops of just 20 degrees expected for both Friday and Saturday, although both days will be sunny.

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