Temperatures in the Wimmera on Thursday sent thermometers over the 40-degree mark by early afternoon.
A digital thermometer in O'Callaghan Parade, Horsham, had the mercury hitting 46 degrees at 3.30pm, prompting discussion among weather watchers.
Horsham East Rotary Club installed the digital clock, temperature gauge and electronic message board as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations in December 2011.
A photo on the Mail-Times Facebook page prompted more than 40 comments about how to beat the heat and the accuracy of the gauge.
Horsham Rural City Council engineering assistant Andy Van said the temperature was taken at the location.
"It has been calibrated by the company which installed it and there might be some atmospheric differences because of the location," he said.
"It's all done in good faith and is by no means the official temperature."
Horsham's official temperature is recorded at Horsham Aerodrome.
Horsham resident Felicity Hill echoed the thoughts of many who posted on the page, saying the thermometer was always out by four to six degrees.
Edwina Morson agreed. "I think it reads so hot because it's in full sun, not in the shade," she posted.
Nik Johannsen however, smelled a conspiracy.
"Of course it will read higher than it is, it's outside the pool," he said. "You look at it man it's hot might go for a swim.''
Amy Moriarty agreed with the reading and said her temperature gauge read 45 degrees.
Theresa O'Loughlin said she could fry eggs on the footpath and Horsham's Kingsley Dalgleish on tour in the United States of America agreed.
"43 degrees, but that's in Fahrenheit. About six Celsius in San Diego at the moment," he said.