The Bureau of Meteorology recorded the most strikes around the Mallee and western area of the state.

The CFA also responded to several fires caused by lightning around Dunolly, which did not damage to any homes or cause injury.

Bureau media manager Clare Mullen said the air had been so hot that rainfall had evaporated before it hit the ground.

“That’s the unusual part,” she said.

“We’re calling them dry thunderstorms because when the lightning strikes, it actually hits dry ground.”

Bendigo Advertiser readers captured images of the strikes from a range of vantage points.

Hobby photographer Rikki Pool said the strikes were the best he had seen in years.

“I’m quite happy with the photos,” he said.

“There’s no better way to train; the conditions are always changing.

“You never get the same two lightning bolts.

“The best thing is just being outside at night with the thunder rolling around you.

“It gives you a good sense of freedom in life, really.”

Mr Pool shot his images around Harcourt with a Canon 6D.

Most were shot at an ISO of 1000 at f11, with an exposure of 20 seconds.

“It’s a matter of trial and error," he said. 

CFA community education co-ordinator Paul Tangey said firefighters had been on standby for more strikes on Wednesday.

“Over in the Dunolly direction there were quite a few strikes that caused fires overnight,” he said.

“There were also quite a few down at Carlsruhe.”

Anyone looking to contact Mr Pool can email rikki_pool@hotmail.com or search for Rikki Pool Photography on Facebook.