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A thunderstorm asthma alert has been issued for Melbourne and surrounds ahead of an expected change cutting short an early summer scorcher.
Professor Mike Roberts, a leading respiratory specialist with Victoria's Department of Health, has forecast a high-risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma in the state's central weather district on Thursday.
The Mallee, North Central, North East, Northern Country, South West, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera districts are deemed to have a moderate risk.
A warning has been issued to those who suffer from asthma and allergies in Melbourne with thunderstorms due to hit on Thursday (stock image)
The mercury reached 33C in Melbourne at 1.34pm on Thursday but severe thunderstorm activity and strong winds are tipped to hit parts of the state later in the day.
Combined with forecast high grass pollen levels, the health department said there is a "significant risk that people with asthma, hayfever and nasal allergy (seasonal rhinitis) may develop significant symptoms immediately before and during
