Second heatwave as Vic temperatures soar

Victoria is set for another heatwave, with Tuesday declared a total fire ban day across the state by the CFA.

Parts of Victoria will stay above 40C for six days, while Melbourne will be in the 30s for much of the week.

The heatwave comes as figures from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine show there were 139 more deaths than expected between January 13, when the last heatwave began, and January 23.

Victoria experienced its hottest four-day period for both maximum and average heat, with four days in a row of 40C temperatures felt in Melbourne.

Temperatures were on par with the week leading up to the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009.

More hot weather is expected for Victoria this week with the Bureau of Meteorology saying another heatwave is around the corner for the north of the state.

In Mildura, there will be seven days in a row above 40C, meteorologist James Taylor said.

"The heat hangs right in there for Mildura with a forecast of seven days straight of above 40 degrees," Mr Taylor said.

"It's due to a pool of hot air over central Australia sweeping across the north of the state this week."

Southern parts of Victoria will see a period of extended heat, but not as warm as the north, he said.

In Melbourne, the forecast on Tuesday is 39C, with Wednesday 24C, Thursday and Friday 33C and 38C on Saturday.

Attorney-General Robert Clark says everyone can do their bit to check on the elderly and vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.

"Heat is always a difficult challenge for people who are old and vulnerable," Mr Clark said.

"If you've got an elderly or frail neighbour drop in and make sure they're doing okay on a hot day."

No fires can be lit in the open air in Victoria between midnight (AEDT) on Monday to midnight on Tuesday.

The CFA advises people living in areas at risk of fire to activate their bush fire plans.