Geelong, Surf Coast weather: Rain and hail hit the region

Hail has started to batter Geelong and the Surf Coast on Wednesday afternoon, as the region prepares for more rainfall.

Hail has started to batter Geelong and the Surf Coast on Wednesday afternoon, as the region prepares for more rainfall.

Rain and small hail hit the region at about 1.30pm, with another shower and chance of a thunderstorm potentially hitting in midafternoon.

There had been 1.6mm of rainfall as at 2pm, according to the Geelong Racecourse weather station, with the temperature at 8.5C.

Hail has touched down across the region, including at Anglesea Golf course. Picture: Supplied

Golfers at Anglesea got a surprise when the course became covered in hail in the afternoon.

Meteorologist Joanna Hewes, from the Bureau of Meteorology, said “favourable” small hail conditions would continue into the evening for Geelong, likely easing by midnight.

“This does not necessarily mean that small hail will be seen, just that the conditions are favourable,” she said.

“Less than 2mm of rain is expected for the rest of the day in Geelong and the Surf Coast, but this rainfall could come in quite short bursts in showers.

Geelong really putting it on for cup day… @geelongaddy pic.twitter.com/UERBluq9SI

— Will Keech (@KeechWill) October 25, 2023

“There has been 1.6mm of rainfall since 9am (as of 2.30pm) in the Geelong Racecourse rain gauge and similar in surrounding areas, though up to 3mm or so further along the Surf Coast in places like Aireys Inlet.”

Ms Hewes said people should exercise caution, particularly when travelling, and take their time.

She said conditions were easing into Thursday, with a shower or two continuing but hail no longer expected.

“Showers (are) most likely easing by the afternoon tomorrow,” she said.

“Drier and milder conditions are expected from Friday and into the weekend.”

The forecast for Thursday shows a minimum temperature of 7C and maximum of 15C.

It comes after the state experienced six earthquakes in two days near Apollo Bay.

Originally published as Geelong, Surf Coast weather: Rain and hail hit the region