The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 43 degrees in Warracknabeal on Saturday, while Horsham and Nhill will reach 42 degrees, Stawell 41 degrees and Edenhope 40 degrees. 

The hot weather has prompted the Country Fire Authority to remind residents to stay safe and alert.

Authority district 17 operations officer Alfred Mason said the fire danger rating would be extreme on Saturday.

“We will have incident control centres open in Ballarat, Ararat and Horsham,” he said.

“All positions have been filled for that day.

“There is nothing more we can do now – we’re as prepared as we can be.”

Mr Mason said the extreme weather would only last for one day.

“It’s just one of those days – we are ramping up our actions but if all goes well, it will just be a day of preparedness,” he said.

“It will most likely be a total fire ban day as well.”

Mr Mason urged Wimmera residents to look after themselves.

“People need to have a plan, and know the plan if something happens,” he said.

“If people are travelling, they need to know their environment because there are different fire ratings in different districts.

“Overall, people need to be safe, be ready and have a happy day.”

Forest Fire Management Victoria Mallee district manager Phil Murdoch said the weather would be even hotter in the northern parts of the region.  

“The forests and parks are already very dry,” he said.

“We’re urging anyone going camping, especially on Saturday, to be very careful.

“Before heading out, make sure you plan ahead and have an escape route in case you are cut off by a bushfire.”