Melbourne, Victoria is under active flood monitoring as heavy rainfall and locally intense downpours move across large parts of the state. Multiple warnings and watches are in force, with authorities cautioning residents about flash flooding, river rises and dangerous travel conditions.
Current Melbourne Conditions
Temperature: 19°C
RealFeel: 15°C
Forecast High: 23°C
Forecast Low: 16°C
Estimated Rainfall: 15–35mm
Outlook: Rain easing later
Minute-by-minute projections indicate rain easing within the hour, though additional showers remain possible through the morning. Today’s forecast calls for outbreaks of rain early, cloudy skies, and slightly cooler conditions compared with recent days.
Flood Watch: Central, North West and South West Victoria
A Flood Watch (Number 3) has been issued for parts of Central, North West and South West Victoria. It was issued at 12:35 pm AEDT on Sunday 1 March 2026.
Authorities warn that minor to moderate flooding and areas of localised flooding are possible from Monday as catchments respond to accumulated rainfall.
Heavy rainfall totals are expected across parts of the central, north west and south west catchments of Victoria. Accumulated rainfall totals may be significant.
River and Catchments Likely to Be Affected
- Bunyip River and Dandenong Creek
- Campaspe River
- Loddon River
- Avoca River
- Mallee catchments
- Wimmera River
- Yarra River to Coldstream
- Yarra River downstream of Coldstream
- Maribyrnong River
- Werribee River
- Hopkins River
- Portland Coast
- Glenelg River
- Limestone and Millicent Coast Rivers and Creeks
- Murray River downstream of Tocumwal (localised flooding only)
River and creek level rises are possible from Monday morning. Riverine flooding is considered most likely in the Avoca and Avon-Richardson catchments.
Severe Weather Warning: Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall
A Severe Weather Warning has been issued for heavy, locally intense rainfall affecting:
- Mallee
- Northern Country
- Parts of Central
- North Central
- North East
- Wimmera Forecast Districts
The warning was issued at approximately 4:39 am–4:52 am EDT on Monday 2 March 2026.
Rainfall expectations include:
- 40–60mm in six hours likely
- 80–100mm in 24 hours possible
- Locally intense bursts of 70–100mm in six hours
Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is possible throughout the warning area, particularly during intense thunderstorm activity in the morning. The risk of the most intense rainfall is expected to decrease later in the morning, with heavy rain easing by evening.
Rainfall Already Recorded
Significant overnight rainfall totals have already been observed:
- 62.6mm recorded at Tutye in six hours to 3:23 am
- 54mm recorded at Walpeup in six hours to 3:31 am
These totals highlight the rapid accumulation occurring under this slow-moving system.
Weather System Overview
A slow-moving low pressure trough is entering Victoria, bringing widespread moderate to heavy rainfall and embedded thunderstorms. Tropical humidity persists to the east of the system, resulting in a broad rainband moving across the state. Rainfall is expected to gradually clear from western areas first as the trough progresses eastward.
Warning to Sheep Graziers
A separate warning has been issued for sheep graziers in:
- Mallee
- Wimmera
- Northern Country
- North Central
- North East
- Central forecast districts
Cold temperatures, rain and easterly winds on Monday may lead to risks for exposed livestock. The warning for the South West forecast district has been cancelled.
Safety Advice
- Do not drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater.
- Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
- Obey road closure signs and avoid flooded roads.
- If driving conditions become dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains and low-lying areas.
- Monitor updates from emergency authorities.
Flood Watches and Warnings are current for the area. Conditions may change quickly. For the latest official updates, visit the Bureau of Meteorology warnings and alerts page.
