Conditions to intensify in Victoria and South Australia, with temperatures forecast to climb towards 40C and strong wind gusts up to 100km/h

A statewide total fire ban in Victoria has been declared for December 26 as authorities prepare for hot, gusty, extreme conditions on Boxing Day.

The declaration comes as a fire rips through the Grampians, engulfing over 43,000 hectares and burning for days. Conditions are set to intensify over the coming days, with temperatures forecast to climb to 40C in the Wimmera region on Thursday.

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