Hot, unsettled weather fuels Vic fire risk

HEAT AND FIRE RISK IN VICTORIA

* Temperatures have climbed into the low 40s across most of Victoria

* It's tipped over 45C in some parts of the state including Swan Hill and Hopetoun

* Melbourne hit 43C on Friday at 3pm

* Hot, dry conditions and northerly winds will bring dust storms and severe fire danger conditions across most parts of the state

* A total fire ban is in place for the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, Southwest and Central regions

* Dry lightning across western parts of the state has raised concerns for new fires on Friday

* Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said Friday's humidity was "unprecedented"

* Transmission lines between Victoria and South Australia have tripped, with Energy company AusNet Services working to restore power

* Victorians have been urged to avoid using non-essential appliances until 9pm on Friday to prevent a blackout

* Melbourne's water storage level is at 62.5 per cent capacity

* Ten fires are active across Victoria, with two in the east of the state raised to emergency warnings

* Authorities have urged parents to not leave children alone in cars

* There is a risk of heavy rain, hail and flash flooding across southwestern and central parts of the state including Melbourne on Saturday