Melbourne set for longest heatwave in a year

Melbourne is facing its longest run of hot days in about a year as the city braces for a heatwave starting on the weekend.

Weatherzone reported the sustained period of heat will start on Sunday, with daytime temperatures forecast to reach the low to mid-30 degree range for three consecutive days.

If the forecast is correct, it will Melbourne's longest run of 30-plus degree days since February last year.

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It will also follow a brief scorcher from last Sunday, February 4, when temperatures reached 37.5 degrees.

While the heat in Melbourne is set to peak on Monday at about 35 degrees, Weatherzone reported a sea breeze was expected to cool things off in the afternoon and evening.

Overnight temperatures on Sunday and Monday are also expected to stay above 20 degrees.

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In north-west Victoria during the same period, temperatures are expected to climb even higher, perhaps breaking the 40 degree mark.

But an equally sharp fall is expected to follow the rising temperatures, with thunderstorms and rain expected to herald the arrival of a cold front on Tuesday afternoon, with temperatures dropping to six degrees below average on Wednesday, Weatherzone said.