Southern states finally getting a taste of autumn, but balmy conditions returning soon

Parts of Victoria are finally tasting autumn as chilly conditions grip the region after an unusually warm start to the month. However, balmy conditions are set to return over the next few days.

Temperatures have generally only been reaching the mid-to-high teens since a strong cold front struck the region over the weekend. The change was a welcome relief from earlier in the month when the mercury pushed into the high 20s to mid 30s.

The mornings have been noticeably chilly with some areas seeing their coldest April mornings since 2009, as a high pressure ridge (leading to clear skies and light winds) has combined with the cooler airmass over the region.

Melbourne dropped to just 6.2c this morning, and Essendon 3.2c, their coolest April morning 2009 (which saw a record cold stretch of cold mornings in many parts of TAS and VIC).

Hobart dipped to 5.1c this morning, which was its fourth consecutive night below 7 degrees, the first such stretch in April since 2009.

However, the warmth will return quite quickly, with Melbourne set to experience some unusual late season heat again, climbing to 27 degrees on Friday and 25 degrees by Saturday, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s persisting late into the month.

Hobart will climb into the low 20s by Friday, with similar temperatures also persisting late into the month.

There are some indications a substantial front may lead to significant cooler conditions late in the month.

Image: Maximum temperature forecasts from the OCF model across VIC and TAS on Friday