Bureau of Meteorology’s Dean Narramore has warned of “concerning” fire conditions today, with “windy and hot” weather expected across the state.

A severe weather warning is currently in place for half of Victoria due to damaging wind gusts, which are expected to develop over western and central parts of the state this morning.

The Bureau warned that isolated damaging wind gusts, with peak gusts of around 100 km/h, are possible from the early afternoon, particularly over the Mallee, Wimmera, and South West districts.

Winds are expected to ease by late tonight once the cold front reaches the central districts.

Mildura, Horsham, Stawell, Hamilton, Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh could be affected.