A DAY of total fire ban has been declared for much of Victoria, including the Mallee for Monday, December 16.

The move came as the expected top temperature was forecast to reach 46 in Mildura, 45 at Ouyen and Swan Hill, and 44 at Horsham.

"Today's conditions could make it difficult for firefighters to quickly suppress a fire should one start," said CFA District 18 Commander Shane Bailey.

“We ...