Officials are predicting a ground record one-day crowd of around 90,000 at the vast MCG to launch Australia's leg of the six-week tournament, also co-hosted by New Zealand.
The highest crowd for an ODI at the MCG was 87,789 for the 1992 Pakistan-England World Cup final.
The city was drenched by overnight storms but clearing conditions means that play will begin on time (14:30 local/03:30 GMT).
Former England spinner Graeme Swann tweeted: "The sun is out in Melbourne now so it's steamy. Perfect swing weather still. #GodSaveTheQueen #swinglow etc etc."
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"Pace attack plans to decimate Poms", roared the headline in the Sydney Daily Telegraph.
"If the deathly silence at England training on Friday was anything to go by, Eoin Morgan and his men know there's a storm coming in the World Cup opener at the MCG."
England face a formidable task against Australia as they look to end a depressing run against the old enemy.
Australia, chasing a fifth World Cup title, have won 13 of their last 15 ODI encounters against England in Australia and will start the match strong favourites to win before a MCG full house.
The last of England's three losing World Cup finals was in Australia in 1992.