Parts of Victoria are becoming hot and windy with temperatures rising to the mid-to-high thirties in the north of the state, and low-to-mid thirties in the south, 10-to-13 degrees above average.

Northerly winds have already reached 102km/h in the Grampians and 89km/h in the Otways and 70km/h in Melbourne.

These gusty northerlies are increasing the fire danger across the state, particularly in the Mallee and Wimmera, where it is hottest and windiest.

A weak cooler change has started moving through the southwest of the state. This weak change will reach the Melbourne area late this afternoon or early evening by easing northerly winds and bringing a slightly cooler northwesterly wind.

Winds will turn northerly again this evening and freshen ahead of the main cooler change. This stronger, gusty change will enter the west of the state this evening and arrive in Melbourne near midnight, bringing significant cooling.

Wednesday will be 10-to-15 degrees colder than today.

Rain and storms are also developing, mainly in the east, where flash flooding is likely later today. A severe weather warning for damaging winds and flash flooding has been issued for Victoria’s southwest and east.

– Weatherzone