A trough and front currently moving across southern parts of the country should trigger showers and thunderstorms, with some storms in parts of Victoria likely to be severe.

Thunderstorms have already developed over eastern parts of Victoria and southeastern South Australia this morning. Storms should move east over central parts of the state during the afternoon, where they are expected to have the greatest effect, then move into the far east overnight.

The potential for damaging winds and large hail have been singled out as the largest threats from this system.

The strongest winds are likely to be during the middle of the day. Wind gusts in excess of 90km/h are possible in elevated areas, while coastal regions are more likely to see peak gusts of around 80km/h.

Although not considered one of the most significant dangers for today, heavy rainfall is still possible from this system. However, the fast-moving nature of these storms means that only a couple of millimetres of widespread rainfall is expected across the state with a few isolated pockets receiving more.

Northerly winds helped Melbourne reach 26 degrees today although, as the front and trough pass over, a cooler airmass accompanied with gusty winds and increased cloud cover should limit heating and cause a dip in temperatures for Monday and Tuesday.

High pressure should build over the state as the new week starts, causing more settled and dry conditions over the next couple of days. However, another front may bring another spell of showery conditions later in the week.