Victorian’s can expect a sweltering start to the new year with temperatures set to soar across the state.

A hot air mass making its way towards Victoria is expected to reach the state just in time for the arrival of the new year.

The hottest temperatures will develop across the state’s north and west, with the mercury expected to soar into the low 40s on Monday and Tuesday through the Mallee and Wimmera districts. Horsham is forecast to hit 40 degrees on Sunday and 42 on Monday, while Mildura should see 41 on Monday and Tuesday.

Victoria’s hot start to 2012 will be driven by a mass of heat that has built up in central Australia during the past week. Over the coming days, this hot air will be dragged into Victoria by a persistent northerly airstream, blanketing the state in heat.

Melbourne will also feel the heat with a high of 36 degrees expected on New Year’s Day and an even hotter 38 on Monday 2nd. If the city does climb above 36 degrees on both days, this will be the hottest start to a year since 1900!

Thankfully, a weak cool change will bring relief from Wednesday, dropping temperatures by 10-15 degrees across the state by Thursday.

From Weatherzone.com.au