Heatwave in Melbourne

Victorians are being urged to look after themselves and others, especially the elderly and children, with temperatures forecast to soar in coming days. Melbourne is expected to endure a top of 41C today and then 40C tomorrow, after a steamy overnight low of 27 tonight.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment said it was also on high alert, with about 2000 DSE firefighters deployed to high risk areas across the state. "A dog left in a parked car won't stand a chance," RSPCA chief veterinarian Dr Chris Thurgood said. "They can die within six minutes."