STATE: Wild, cold winds to hit Melbourne

Strong winds will batter most parts of Victoria before a cold front sets in at midnight, bringing with it rain and potential gusts of up to 100km/h.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Dean Stewart said although Melburnians can look forward to a mostly sunny and dry day, patchy showers will hit in the evening, along with a cold front.

“It will not be anywhere near as strong as the wind two weeks ago, but still strong enough to see damage around the area,” Mr Stewart said.

He said winds have already picked up at Melbourne Airport, with gusts reaching up to 70km/h by 6.30am on Tuesday.

“But the strongest winds will be tonight,” he said.

The maximum temperature for Melbourne is forecast to be 15 degrees, but wind chill will make it feel colder, Mr Stewart said.

“For example, at 6.30am it’s 11 degrees, but it feels like 6 degrees,” he said.

The bureau has released a severe weather warning for the Wimmera, north central, south-west, central and west and south Gippsland as peak gusts of up to 100km/h are forecast to hit the areas.

Patchy rain is also forecast in western parts of the state.

The State Emergency Service is advising residents to move vehicles under cover, secure loose items around the house and keep clear of fallen power lines.