While many Victorian communities escaped the Black Saturday devastation unscathed, there are fears they might not be so lucky next fire season, which is just 70 days away.

The drought has left many areas of the state bone-dry, including towns tucked away in Dandenong Ranges, regarded as idyllic retreats surrounded by tall forests of mountain ash with sweeping views of the Yarra Valley.

Fire weather is determined by short term climate variables like temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall and evaporation that can change during the course of a day or even an hour. 

With unusually high temperatures throughout parts of eastern Australia this week, there are major concerns the bushfire season will hit early and be severe.

Experts are predicting trouble, especially for Victoria and New South Wales.

And while Queenslanders normally worry about cyclones, this summer they too will need to brace for extreme temperatures and fire conditions.