Total fire ban declared for northwest Victoria as temperatures soar

A total fire ban has been activated for Victoria's Mallee region today, with temperatures set to reach a sweltering 40 degrees.

Mildura is headed for a forecast top of 37 degrees while Swan Hill will sweat through a high of 40 degrees with high wind conditions, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast.

The CFA has advised people living in areas at risk to activate their bush fire plan.

Reprieve from the hot temperatures will arrive later this evening, with a cold front sweeping in to west before crossing the remainder of the state overnight and into tomorrow morning.  

With AAP