Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall
for Mallee, Wimmera and parts of South West Forecast Districts.
Issued at 4:28 pm Saturday, 28 February 2026.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL POSSIBLE IN THE WEST TONIGHT.
Weather Situation
Moist northeasterly flow on the southeastern flank of a low in central Australia is expected to increase tonight leading to the development of a broad region of rain with embedded thunderstorms. Rain rates may ease for a period during the day on Sunday, before increasing overnight and into Monday with the approach of a cold front.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas:
Mallee, South West and Wimmera
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Mallee, Wimmera and South West forecast districts from tonight, becoming more likely from late Sunday evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 50 mm are possible.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible over the western Mallee and northwest Wimmera tonight, however is more likely from late Sunday evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 70 mm are possible.
Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Horsham, Stawell, Ouyen, Warracknabeal and Murrayville.
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.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Saturday.
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
Riachella (36.8249°S, 142.6878°E, 161m AMSL) set as my default location ›
-
7 day forecast
Today: Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely later this evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding possible. Winds E/NE 15 to 25 km/h.
Forecast for Riachella (36.8249°S, 142.6878°E, 161m AMSL) Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Summary
Minimum 19° 18° 18° 14° 13° 12° 13° Maximum 29° 21° 22° 23° 25° 27° 26° Chance of rain 90% 90% 70% 40% 20% 5% 5% Likely amount 10-20mm 20-40mm 5-10mm 1-5mm < 1mm < 1mm < 1mm UV index Very High Very High Extreme Very High Very High Very High Very High Fire Danger Rating Moderate Moderate Moderate 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 11
(km/h)9
(km/h)20
(km/h)26
(km/h)9
(km/h)16
(km/h)16
(km/h)22
(km/h)10
(km/h)16
(km/h)7
(km/h)14
(km/h)8
(km/h)16
(km/h)Wind direction ENE ENE ENE NE ENE SE S S S SSW SSW W S SSW Relative humidity 81% 78% 92% 77% 99% 79% 93% 63% 89% 46% 87% 37% 84% 39% Dew point 19°C 20°C 18°C 16°C 19°C 17°C 15°C 14°C 14°C 12°C 14°C 10°C 14°C 10°C -
Sunrise and sunset times
Sunrise / Sunset for Riachella (36.8249°S, 142.6878°E, 161m AMSL) First light Sunrise Sunset Last light Moon rise Moon set Moon phase Full moon Last quarter New moon First quarter 6:46am EDT 7:13am EDT 8:10pm EDT 8:37pm EDT 6:23pm EDT 3:05am EDT
Waxing gibbous
Full moon Mar 03 Last quarter Mar 11 New moon Mar 19 First quarter Mar 26 -
Warnings
-
Temperature for next 7 days
-
Rain for next 7 days