Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Mallee, Northern Country, Wimmera and parts of Central, South West, North Central and North East Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:58 am Sunday, 1 March 2026.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL POSSIBLE IN THE NORTHWEST, SPREADING EASTWARDS AND BECOMING LIKELY TONIGHT

Weather Situation: Tropical humidity is expected to continue to increase on the eastern flank of a low in South Australia, persisting a broad region of rain with isolated thunderstorms in the northwest of the state. A trough is expected to push into the west of the state tonight, increasing rain and thunderstorm activity and the risk of heavy to locally intense falls. This will spread eastwards to central parts on Monday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible about the warning area today, however is more likely about western districts this evening and central districts into Monday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 to 60 mm are likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible throughout the warning area with thunderstorms from this afternoon, however is most likely about the Mallee from this evening and into parts of the northeast Wimmera, western Northern Country, western North Central and far northeastern South West forecast districts into Monday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 to 100 mm are possible.

Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Horsham, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat and Wangaratta.

Flood Watches and Warnings are current for the area. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.