As we head for the first 30 degree day of the season, northerly winds will pick up as a cold front crosses the state early on Friday morning, and Ballarat is right in the firing line.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for damaging winds with peak gusts as high as 100km/h which are expected to develop overnight and into Friday.

The warning is for elevated areas, with alpine areas potentially seeing gusts up to 120km/h.

Winds are expected to ease following the front, although there is potential for thunderstorms to produce strong squalls.

The Bureau says locations which might be affected include Stawell, Ararat, Kyneton, Ballarat and Daylesford.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony and keep clear of fallen power lines;

To keep up to date with all warnings, head to the Bureau of Meteorology website at bom.gov.au

Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.