Australia Weather News

A severe weather warning has been issued for Victoria, with winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour predicted.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned strong winds and severe thunderstorm activity will hit most of the state from around 10:00am today.

This follows thunderstorm activity on Sunday which downed trees and damaged buildings in Melbourne's east and south-east.

Emergency services received more than 1,300 requests for assistance.

Senior meteorologist Kevin Parkin said the conditions have been caused by a strong cold front moving across the state.

"It's windy at the moment, we can expect the wind gusts to increase overnight, probably affecting elevated parts about the Divide (Great Dividing Range)," he said.

"Those peak wind gusts of 90 to 100 kilometres per hour are more likely associated with that cold front ahead of it."

State Emergency Services (SES) acting deputy chief John Parker said people need to take extra precautions to ensure they remained safe.

"I ask people to take special care, particularly driving through peak hour around the city, we also ask that people in the community of Victoria clear backyards and secure items such as outdoor furniture and trampolines in particular," he said.

"These items do cause damage when they're are blowing around in the wind and are a risk to communities."

VicRoads has also issued a warning to drivers to take care on the road.

Seven-metre waves expected on Victoria's coast, authorities warn

Huge waves of more than seven metres are expected on Victoria's south-west coast, water safety authorities.

The average height for large waves in the Western Bass Strait is about 2.8 metres, Lifesaving Victoria said.

"In some places the surf may look inviting during this period, such as along the Surf Coast," senior meteorologist James Taylor said in a statement.

"However the largest waves are likely to still be around three to four metres in this region."

Surfing Victoria chief executive Adam Robertson urged surfers to take care.

"Surfing Victoria urges everyone to surf within their limits over the next few days and make sure you surf with a mate," he said.

The weather warning comes of the back of what the BoM said was the state's second warmest April on record.

ABC