Hail to the big chill!

By Paul Dunlop
RAIN and hail whipped Pakenham in a cold snap that weather experts say could be a once-in-a-decade chill.
Temperatures plummeted to a wintry 8C yesterday (Wednesday) and ice and strong winds gave motorists on local roads plenty of headaches.
Several residents contacted the News to report hail ‘as big as marbles’ falling in patches around town.
Hail and slush built up on roadsides and carpeted gardens and sporting fields in a thick layer of white.
Maurice Giretti of Pakenham Upper welcomed the wet weather which delivered vital relief to residents anxious about one of the driest seasons on record.
“It’s a good thing, it helps to fill up the tank,” Mr Giretti said.
“It’s been dry and it’s only going to get worse so it all helps. We all have to be just a little bit careful.”
Pakenham Road Rescue Unit spokesman Steve Monro said emergency service crews were called twice to car crashes at Kooweerup on Wednesday morning.
Morning commuters had to rug up unseasonably while school crossing supervisors dragged their wet weather gear back out of the cupboard for the morning and afternoon shifts.
Contrasting the dark grey skies, the sun poked through every now and again to remind residents that it is only two weeks until summer and Pakenham remains in the grip of drought.
The weather is expected to be fine and sunny again by the weekend.