November has finished drier than usual across the North East and the southern Riverina, pointing to an increased fire risk.

That has resulted in widespread slashing of grass in recent days across the Border region to negate this fire risk.

The national Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre recently revised its outlook following September and October's record downpours and major flooding on the Border.

Bureau of Meteorology statistics have revealed Albury-Wodonga had its hottest day for November on the 21^st, when the mercury hit 35.3 degrees.

Temperatures for the last 15 days of the month crept to above 20 degrees, creating ideal conditions for high fuel loads to dry out.

November recorded average rainfall, with the gauge at Albury airport registering 49.6mm for the month down from the normal 62.7mm.

Most rain fell on November 14 and 23, with downpours of 18.8mm and 19.2mm.

And spring overall was wetter than usual, with 253.2mm falling between September and November, above the average of 170.1mm.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Beren Bradshaw said on Wednesday that temperatures would hover around 30 degrees until Monday, when storms were expected to roll in.

“For summer we are looking at rainfall to be below average,” she said.

“Also, we will see warmer days and nights for the period.”

The threat of forest fires in eastern Victoria – which covers the North East – would peak around Christmas, Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said.

“There is considerable grass growth across the state and as this dries out with the warmer weather, it will become very flammable,” he said.

“Preparation is the key, particularly for people living in interface areas. Grass fires can start without warning and can spread quickly.”

Walla-based agronomist Tim Paramore said the spring rainfall meant some farmers had received low yields in the cereal harvest. 

“They’ve lost a lot of crops from too much water in September,” he said. “There’s been some excellent and some awful canola yields.”