The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for an area that includes Kyneton, Castlemaine and Daylesford, and passes near Maryborough.

BOM senior meteorologist, Dean Stewart, said the worst weather would be felt in elevated areas above 800m.

Damaging winds averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are possible, as an active cold front crosses the state. Winds are expected to ease from the west during Wednesday morning.

Showers are expected across central Victoria on Tuesday, most likely during the afternoon and evening, but they should start to clear on Wednesday.

Mr Stewart said the front is expected to bring between 1-25mm of rain across the state, with the heaviest falls in the north east. 

“In the wake of the front there is a chance of hail and thunder across state tomorrow,” he said. 

“It will be pretty chilly.”

Mr Stewart said that Friday was set to be the warmest day this week, with tops expected the high teens or low 20s, before a new front hits. 

“It will be a windy day on Friday as another front moves in,” he said.

“It will be a chilly start to weekend with hail and thunder predicted.”

Mr Stewart said the northerly winds were expected to be “strong enough to raise dust”. 

Skiers heading to Alpine areas have been warned that there is an increased risk of avalanches.

Cold temperatures, strong winds and heavy snowfalls have increase the risk of avalanches in Victoria’s back-country alpine areas.

State Emergency Service Hume Regional Controller Stephen Grant said the significant amount of snowfall onto an existing firm base of snow means there is a considerable risk Tuesday and into Wednesday.

“People in the alpine areas skiing, snowboarding or hiking in back-country alpine areas should exercise caution and remain alert,” he said said.

“Warmer temperatures are expected tomorrow however the avalanche risk will remain, especially in high alpine environments over 1500 metres.”

“It’s important for people to stay informed and attuned to the conditions.”

People skiing or snowboarding have been asked to use maintained and monitored slopes.

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