Victorians are set to swelter through a scorcher of a week, with the mercury forecast to rise to 46 degrees in some parts of the state and overnight temperatures in the city to be as warm as 23 degrees.

But light winds and sea breezes will likely spare Melburnians from the most extreme heat.

Wednesday is forecast to be the hottest day for much of Victoria, with people along the Murray River to face the most intense weather: Mildura, Echuca, Swan Hill and Wodonga are all expected to reach 46 degrees.

A sea breeze looks set to save Melburnians from the most extreme weather, but the city will still face a hot week while the rest of the state swelters. Credit:David Crosling / AAP

Monday and Tuesday - the first two days of the Australian Open - will be the hottest days in Melbourne, with both tipped to hit 35 degrees.