Weather

Specialised alpine search and rescue units used sleds to rescue people trapped in their cars on Mount Hotham because of a snow dump over the weekend.

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The alpine region had the heaviest ski season opening-weekend snowfall in years.

Wintry weather is forecast to extend into next week, bringing relief to farmers across the state and solid snowfalls for the start of ski season.

Heavy snows are expected this weekend, but the weather bureau says the wet and windy conditions won’t be great for snow sports.

Climate scientists say “warmer than normal” predictions are “defined against a normal that was in the past”.

The State Emergency Service told residents to close doors and windows and remain indoors when the storm arrived.

The odds are good for a wet winter, prolonging the sodden autumn on the east coast, but bringing relief for the drought-stricken inland.

Thongs one day to thermals the next, May is breaking weather records across the state and putting Melburnians’ wardrobes to the test.

And the warm weather is set to return later in the week.

Heavy rain on Thursday night flooded areas of Frankston and Seaford, while thunderstorms continue in Victoria’s north.