The severe heatwave, starting last week, hit Victoria hardest with peaks near 49C forecast in the northwest Mallee, while Melbourne saw its hottest day in 17 years and a total fire ban took effect.
Bushfires in the Otways forced over 1,000 households to evacuate, with 120 people sheltering in relief centers as authorities urged immediate action.
Premier Jacinta Allan advised staying cool and hydrated, as energy grids strained with prices spiking in South Australia; a cool change nears Wednesday night but warnings remain.
