Total fire ban in place with Victoria set to swelter

Victorians are set to swelter through a hot and windy Tuesday, with the Country Fire Authority declaring severe fire danger for most of the state.

Melbourne is forecast to reach 38C, with similar temperatures expected across Victoria.

Ouyen in the Mallee region has the hottest maximum forecast at 43C.

Total fire bans will be in place in eight of nine districts, the only exception being East Gippsland.

CFA chief officer Joe Buffone said a northwesterly wind change to southwesterly during the day was the main concern for emergency services.

The bans mean campfires cannot be lit, metal work cannot be done and farm machinery movements should be restricted.