Areas of Victoria experienced a record warm night for July as cloud and rain pushed over the state.

Northerly winds persisted through the night, dragging warm air from the interior into Victoria. This warm air was then trapped under a thick blanket of cloud that built over the state on Saturday. Most areas over central and western Victoria remained 5 to 10 degrees above average overnight.

Around Melbourne, Essendon had its warmest July night since 1966, only falling to 11.7 degrees. The city recorded a minimum temperature of just 10.8 degrees, which felt significantly warmer than the three degree minimums experienced earlier in the week.

Elsewhere, Ballarat only fell to 10.6 degrees last night, its warmest July night in 56 years of records. Warracknabeal and Ararat only fell to 11 degrees, their warmest July night since at least 1975.

The band of rain that has been pushing across the state has delivered some healthy falls. In the 24 hours to 9am this morning, Mount William recorded the largest total in the state with 70mm, also its heaviest daily total in seven months. Stawell recorded 28mm in the 24 hours to 9am, its heaviest daily total for July in 17 years of records.

The rain developed in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon and persisted through the night. The city gained 16mm to 9am this morning, its largest total in a month.

The rain band is pushing east over the state today, leaving only isolated showers in its wake. There will be a few clear and warm days before the next front arrives later in the week, bringing more rain with strong winds.

– Weatherzone