SUBSTANTIAL showers have dampened a dry May, but the heavens may have opened a little too late for south-west pastures.
More than 30 millimetres of rain fell across the region on Thursday evening and yesterday morning, heralding cold and blustery conditions for the weekend. Warrnambool gained about 30mm in less than 24 hours while Port Fairy had 22mm, Mortlake 20mm, Portland 19mm and Hamilton 34mm.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Scott Williams said a heavy low-pressure system had passed the Western District by mid-morning yesterday before dumping rain on Melbourne and Gippsland.
He said scattered showers and cold winds would be felt across the region today and tomorrow before a high-pressure system moves across the Great Australian Bight on Monday.
"Heavy showers seem to be over for the Western District for the time being with only scattered showers expected over the weekend," Mr Williams said.
"Cities like Warrnambool and Hamilton will gain only five millimetres on Saturday and roughly two to five on Sunday before that high-pressure system comes over, ending May on a dry note."
Mr Williams said the forecast change would not result in warmer days next week, with the mercury expected to remain in the mid to high teens.