Australia braces for a week of rain, thunderstorms and flash-flood risk

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that a week of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds could affect large parts of Australia, with the heaviest falls expected in Victoria and along sections of the east and south-east.

Meteorologist Dean Narramore said the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall are expected from Wednesday through Thursday, with the current forecast cycle pointing to a run of wet, unsettled weather rather than a single short burst.

In Victoria, the alpine region could receive 100-150mm of rain this week, and a number of rivers in north-eastern Victoria are already on flood watch. The warning comes as forecasters track the risk of flash flooding in fast-responding catchments if the rain band intensifies.

Where the heaviest rain is expected

The Bureau’s forecast points to the east coast, north-eastern and eastern Victoria, western New South Wales and parts of coastal South Australia as the main areas of concern.

North-western NSW, including the Tibooburra area, could receive 50-100mm of rain. Severe thunderstorms may also develop near the NSW-South Australia border, bringing the possibility of damaging winds and hail.

Adelaide and other parts of South Australia are also expected to see a wet start to July, with rain forecast through the week and a chance of morning thunderstorms on Wednesday.

Flood and travel risks

The main risks are flash flooding in smaller catchments, rising rivers in north-eastern Victoria, and hazardous driving conditions where heavy rain and thunderstorms overlap with strong winds.

The broader concern is that repeated rain bands over several days can quickly add up, especially in winter systems that keep shifting across the same regions.

Residents in affected areas are being urged to follow Bureau of Meteorology updates and emergency warnings as the forecast evolves through the week.