The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting winds of 50 to 70km/h with peak gusts of 100 km/h to develop over the south west and Wimmera districts this morning, extending to the Mallee, north central, central and northern country districts in the afternoon, then to elevated parts of the north east and west and south Gippsland forecast districts later in the afternoon and evening with peak gusts to 110 km/h possible about the Alpine peaks.

Today is also a day of total fire ban and an extreme fire danger day for the Mallee, Wimmera, northern country and north central districts. 

Bendigo is headed for a top of 34 degrees, Maryborough 33, Castlemaine 32, Kyneton 31, Redesdale 33 and Echuca 37.

A warm to hot northwesterly airstream will strengthen over the state this morning ahead of a low pressure trough reaching the west in the afternoon, extending into central then eastern areas at night, the bureau advises. A strong cold front will follow the trough across the state tonight and tomorrow morning.

To see which forecast district you are in, click here.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.