Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said the final days of year would bring cooler conditions with Ballarat expected to enjoy a top of 22 degrees with clearing showers today. 

“Much of Victoria will see a high pressure ridge present during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, bringing with it mostly sunny conditions so that is good news,” he said. 

“For Monday’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Ballarat, we are forecasting a top on the mid-20s with northerly winds to bring heat in for a warm New Year’s Day in the high 20s or low 30s.” 

Yesterday saw warm sunshine and winds with a high of 27 around 4pm. 

Mr Domensino said the first few days of 2013 would see tops of around 5 degrees above Ballarat’s January average of 25 degrees. 

Saturday will be mostly sunny with a top of 24 and Sunday will see similar conditions and a top of 23. 

Weather conditions are set to impact New Year celebrations around the world with storm activity across the Southern United States bringing heavy snow and rain to the north-east.

In Europe heavy snow continues to cause major travel delays, with forecasts of more snow into 2013.