Surf to snow: Victoria’s sunny weather set for ‘abrupt’ end as polar blast arrives

Victorians have basked in a late summer blast — but it will come to an “abrupt” end, with freezing conditions on the way.

Victoria’s spell of hot weather will come to a dramatic end when a polar blast whips up freezing conditions across the state this weekend.

After a sunny high of 29C in Melbourne on Thursday, the city will be shivering through rain and hail and a top of 15C on Sunday.

Weather bureau duty forecaster Matthew Thomas said Victorians should enjoy the heat before the cool front moves in.

“Certainly make the most of the pleasant conditions but know where your down jacket is,” he said.

From beach weather to snow, Victoria’s temperature is set to plummet.

“You’ve got to be prepared to transition to the winter wardrobe.”

Rainfall is expected across the state and snow is likely in the alpine areas over the weekend, Mr Thomas said.

He said it was unusual that temperatures would plummet so quickly in Victoria.

“We’re definitely into that transition phase where we’re moving into late autumn, wintry conditions. It’s not an unexpected occurrence but it’s quite a significant and abrupt change. We don’t necessarily get these abrupt changes all that often. It’s the abrupt nature of this one that’s most significant.”

Helene Rapassanis, Luis Soto and Sam Plaisted enjoying the heat. Picture: Jason Edwards

Melbourne will bask in hot weather Thursday.

Rain is in store for the weekend.

A polar blast moving up from Antarctica on Saturday afternoon would bring “significantly cooler air” across the eastern half of Victoria, Mr Thomas said.

“It’s going to bring some very, very cold temperatures. We’re likely to see some snow in higher peaks and in Alpine areas.”

Falls Creek was forecast to reach a top of 2C on Sunday after a high of 14C on Thursday.

Mildura was expected to be the hottest town in Victoria on Thursday, with a maximum of 32C.

Reeve, 3, at Falls Creek, which is due to reach a top of 2C on Sunday. Picture: Chris Hocking

In the state’s southwest, the polar blast was due to create swells as big as 10m on Sunday off the coast near Portland and Warrnambool.

Mr Thomas said an initial cool change would reach Victoria late Thursday night or early Friday morning, before the weekend’s Antarctic air mass delivered freezing temperatures.

Melbourne can expect a top of 17C Friday, 19C Saturday and 15C Sunday.

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