Wild weather set for Victoria as residents told to brace for severe thunderstorms, bushfires

Parts of Victoria have been warned to brace for severe thunderstorms, while an extreme fire warning has been issued in the state's northwest.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said storms with large amounts of rain and high winds may hit the Gippsland region today, advising residents hail is also possible.

Rain has already battered parts of the state this morning, with 46.4mm of rain recorded in just three hours to 9.40am at Ovens River near Wangaratta.

READ MORE: What Christmas Day weather will be like in your city

The official warning said the severe weather could last for several hours.

"Locations which may be affected include Bairnsdale, Orbost, Bright, Falls Creek, Dargo and Buchan," BoM said.

The wild weather has been caused by a "moist and unstable airmass" moving in a line across the state.

READ MORE: Aussies in one state to face public transport fare hike within days

Meanwhile, near the Victoria-New South Wales border, an extreme fire danger has been declared in the Mallee region close to Mildura.

"Warm and dry conditions over northwest Victoria, with fresh to strong and gusty west to southwesterly winds in the afternoon, will lead to elevated fire dangers," the BOM said.

There is currently one out-of-control bushfire in the state, in and around the Wyperfeld National Park and Patchewollock, Yaapeet, and Hopetoun.

It is not threatening any homes or communities, but officials are urging residents to be on alert.

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.