THE first total fire ban of the season has been declared for the Mallee for Monday.

Hot and dry conditions, with northerly winds up to 20km/h, are forecast for the Mallee, with a gusty south-westerly change in the early afternoon.

Country Fire Authority  Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the fire season was "well upon us now with the recent heat waves which have dried out parts of the state, particularly in the west and north west of the state" .

"(Monday's) conditions could make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start; therefore, we are asking people to take heed of the Total Fire Ban conditions," he said..

"People need to be aware of the increased fire danger and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies."

A total fire ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on a declared day.

Mildura is forecast to reach 41 degrees on Monday, with a chance of rain and thunderstorms.

By 8.44am, Mildura had recorded a temperature of 29.4 degrees, with an ambient temperature of 30.3 degrees.

The humidity was at 65 per cent at 5am and has fluctuated between 40 per cent and 64 per cent since.

There is a 10 per cent chance of rain until 5pm.

Thunderstorms are possible from the morning until 2pm.