Warning over extreme heat, wind predicted across Victoria on Saturday

Extreme temperatures predicted for Saturday have prompted a health warning from Victoria's chief medical officer.

With extreme heat and a northerly wind predicted, there are concerns
 fires could be started by spontaneously combusting hay bales. 

The Country Fire Authority is also on alert, with strong winds predicted and concerns over a spate of spontaneously combusting hay bales across the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts Melbourne will reach a top of 41, Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton will hit 42, Ouyen and Swan Hill 43, and Mildura will be 44.

The Chief Health Officer has issued a health alert for the North Central weather district, while four other districts are near the threshold for an alert.

Read the story by Amber Schultz in today’s Melbourne Age -  “Warning over extreme heat, wind predicted across Victoria on Saturday.”