Thunderstorms are possible across the west and southwest on Friday afternoon, moving to the northeast of the State in the afternoon and early evening and contracting to central districts during the late evening.

Earlier – 11:24am

A severe weather warning for damaging winds has been issued for Ararat, Stawell and the entire state during the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast that a series of active cold fronts will affect Victoria over the next few days.

“The first cold front will reach the southwest on Friday evening before moving through the remainder of the State overnight and early Saturday,” the weather warning stated. 

“A second and stronger cold front will reach the southwest during the late morning on Saturday before affecting remaining parts of Victoria during the afternoon.”

Damaging winds of 50 to 70 kilometres per hour with gusts to around 90 km/h are forecast for the South West, North Central, Central, North East and West and South Gippsland during tonight and early Saturday in association with the first cold front.

Damaging winds of 60 to 80 km/h are expected over all Victorian districts during Saturday, mainly during the afternoon.

Across the northern plains, wind gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are possible while elsewhere wind gusts may reach 100 to 120 km/h.

Destructive winds of 70 to 90 km/h with peak gusts of around 130 km/h are possible about the Alpine peaks (above 1200 metres) during Saturday afternoon and early evening.

Isolated thunderstorms are possible during tonight and Saturday and wind gusts above 90 km/h are possible.

The wind is expected to ease in most areas during Saturday although strong to gale force winds may remain near the coast and over the Alpine area.

The State Emergency Service has advised that people should: 

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5pm AEST Friday on the Bureau of Meteorology’s website. or call 1300 659 217.