Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy Rainfall
for parts of Riverina and Lower Western Forecast Districts.
Issued at 5:19 pm Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall developing over the far southwest of the state.
Weather Situation
A very humid airmass combines with a slow-moving trough of low-pressure to trigger severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over the Lower West and Riverina this afternoon and evening.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Riverina and Lower Western
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Wentworth and Balranald.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).
The next warning is due to be issued by 8:20 pm.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Forecast
Retreat (35.6166°S, 145.45°E, 106m AMSL) set as my default location ›
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7 day forecast
Today: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe with heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding in the SE. Winds SE/SW 15 to 20 km/h becoming light before dawn then becoming SE/SW 15 to 25 km/h in the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 22 with daytime temperatures reaching around 30.
Forecast for Retreat (35.6166°S, 145.45°E, 106m AMSL) Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Summary 
Minimum 17° 17° 16° 17° 17° 18° 17° Maximum 30° 32° 32° 31° 30° 32° 32° Chance of rain 60% 40% 60% 60% 60% 50% 60% Likely amount 1-5mm < 1mm 1-5mm 1-5mm 5-10mm 1-5mm 1-5mm UV index Extreme Extreme Very High Very High Very High Extreme Extreme Fire Danger Rating No Rating No Rating Moderate Moderate - - - Frost risk Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm Wind speed 12
(km/h)13
(km/h)14
(km/h)13
(km/h)19
(km/h)14
(km/h)19
(km/h)13
(km/h)21
(km/h)19
(km/h)20
(km/h)12
(km/h)10
(km/h)7
(km/h)Wind direction SW SW E E ENE ENE ENE ENE ENE ENE NE NNE ENE NNW Relative humidity 83% 59% 66% 45% 60% 40% 63% 46% 68% 56% 63% 53% 68% 46% Dew point 16°C 19°C 15°C 18°C 11°C 15°C 12°C 16°C 13°C 19°C 14°C 20°C 15°C 18°C -
Sunrise and sunset times
Sunrise / Sunset for Retreat (35.6166°S, 145.45°E, 106m AMSL) First light Sunrise Sunset Last light Moon rise Moon set Moon phase First quarter Full moon Last quarter New moon 6:33am EDT 6:59am EDT 8:02pm EDT 8:28pm EDT 3:21pm EDT 11:48pm EDT 
Waxing gibbous
First quarter Feb 24 Full moon Mar 03 Last quarter Mar 11 New moon Mar 19 -
Warnings
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Temperature for next 7 days
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Rain for next 7 days
