Australia Weather News

Victoria is being hit with strong winds as the weather bureau warns of gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour and possible thunderstorms.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Dean Stewart said "very gusty, squally northerly winds" were ahead of a cold front crossing the state from the west.

He said strong winds, showers and possible thunderstorms would move through Melbourne this afternoon.

The temperature in Melbourne dropped suddenly from high of about 32 degrees Celsius to just 18C as the change hit.

"Not only do we have strong northerly winds ahead of the front, I think we'll get very squally west-to-south-westerly winds behind the front, as well as a band of showers and even the risk of some thunderstorm activity as well," he said.

"So fairly unsettled conditions in the Melbourne area today."

Mr Stewart said the front would push through eastern Victoria later in the afternoon.

A severe weather warning is in place in the Central, South West, North Central, West and South Gippsland districts, and parts of the East Gippsland, North East and Wimmera districts.

Strong winds were experienced in Geelong this morning, with waves crashing over the foreshore and gusts spinning the waterfront's Sky Wheel.

The bureau said wind up to 100kph was possible in elevated and coastal areas, as well as the state's Central and Eastern districts this afternoon.

The windy conditions are expected to subside an hour or two after the change.

Emergency services have warned people to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, and to secure loose items from yards.

March overnight temperatures 'close to breaking a record'

Mr Stewart said he expected overnight temperatures in March could break records after it reached 19C overnight, well above the monthly average of about 13C.

"We've had a string of very warm nights," he said.

"Certainly this month it looks like the temperatures, both the minimum and maximum temperatures, are going to be well above average, not just in Melbourne but large potions of the state.

"We'll have to wait till the end of the month but I think we'll go close to breaking a record for our overnight minimum temperatures for March."

He said cooler weather was on the way and a top of 22C was forecast in Melbourne for Tuesday.