It was as rapid change throughout Melbourne right on home time, after a stunning autumn day. Gusty northerly winds dragged the heat into the city yesterday, allowing the mercury to reach 33 degrees. Surrounding areas such Laverton recorded 36 degrees, which was 12 degrees above average. Essendon saw 34 degrees, which is 10 degrees hotter than normal for this time of year. Cool southerly winds with a cold front saw the temperature plummet, with Seymour losing six degrees in the space of 10 minutes. Viewbank had a drop of four degrees in as many minutes. Accompanying the change was an impressive display of lightning with 3000 strikes within a 100km radius of the city before 6pm. Persistent onshore winds has kept the city cool today, with the temperatures a few degrees below average. Over the weekend, mostly sunny skies will see mercury reach the low twenties before a sunny Sunday. A brief burst of warmth on Sunday will bring temperatures in the high 20's. Another cold front will see cooler temperatures, gusty winds and showers for the start of the working week.