The hot weather has thrown weekend sporting events into chaos because of concerns for the health and safety of athletes and officials.

With forecast temperatures in the 40s once again likely, many cricket, bowls, athletics, tennis and cycling competitions are tipped to be called off.

Last night’s Bendigo Greyhound Association meeting was abandoned after just three races because of the extreme conditions.

The City of Greater Bendigo’s popular Summer in the Parks program has also fallen casualty to the heatwave, with today’s planned Traditional Games cancelled because of the record high temperatures expected, although the farewell concert by Voicepopfoibles will continue as planned.

Yesterday, the mercury climbed to 42 degrees at the official weather station at the Bendigo Airport, but there were unofficial readings as high as 44 degrees elsewhere in the city.

The temperature reached 42.8 degrees in Charlton, 41.8 degrees in Redesdale and 42.3 degrees in Maryborough.

The furnace-like conditions caused major interruptions to V/Line train services, with taxis replacing trains on some services between Bendigo and Eaglehawk and buses used to ferry passengers between Bendigo and Kyneton.

Powercor reported outages across regional Victoria, with up to 58,000 customers left without power statewide, including in Bendigo, Long Gully and Castlemaine.

Traffic lights failed at several intersections across Bendigo yesterday afternoon, but there were no reports of any major accidents.

The City of Greater Bendigo has responded to the relentless heat by announcing extended hours at some pools to offer some respite for heat weary residents.

The Bendigo Regional YMCA, which operates pools on behalf of the City, will temporarily extend the opening hours until at least Sunday at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre and other pools at Heathcote, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square, Marong and Brennan Park.