Premier Jacinta Allan has warned that Victoria is facing “one of the most dangerous days” in recent years, with hot, dry and windy conditions expected across the state as the mercury pushes 40C in some parts. Half the state is under an extreme fire danger warning, with catastrophic conditions flagged in the west. That’s seen 30,000 people urged to leave their homes in the most at-risk areas yesterday. It’s been a rough trot for many in the danger zones, including last weekend when bushfires west of Ballarat destroyed at least 6 homes. NSW is predicted to feel the heat on Thursday, while the BOM also warns that Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia could face heavy rain and severe thunderstorms for the rest of this week.