Christmas barbecues and backyard cricket matches will benefit from fine sunny conditions today, before winds start to pick up later in the afternoon.
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Melbourne can expect a top temperature of 23 degrees in the middle of the afternoon, with the chance of some showers in the evening and overnight.
Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said it would be fairly calm in the morning across the state, ahead of a cold front which will bring winds of up to 35 km/h in Melbourne. Those holidaying on the coast might get winds up to 60 km/h.
Swing bowlers playing in backyard cricket matches after lunch should benefit most from the gusty conditions, he said.
"The wind will be starting to pick up, so if you've got a tennis ball with some sticky tape on it up you might get a bit of movement in the air," he said.
In terms of rainfall, Mr Dutschke said it was likely to stay dry across nearly all of Melbourne until late evening. From about 8pm, showers will become more widespread.
But importantly, it looks like the Boxing Day Test will proceed on time despite the chance of drizzle in the morning. There is a forecast top of 18 degrees for Friday.
"The rain is most likely to clear after sunrise. There could be the odd spots around the place. I doubt that will lead to any delay for the start of the Test," he said.
