Warning severe thunderstorms and flash flooding could be headed to parts of Victoria

After a streak of warm, humid days in Victoria, there could be severe storms and flash flooding on the way for parts of the state.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning for heavy rainfall from potentially serious thunderstorms.

Stawell, Bendigo, Echuca, Shepparton, Maryborough and Ballarat may experience flash flooding.

There is a low pressure trough travelling over western Victoria, combining with a large high-pressure system southeast of Tasmania.

Archdale Junction in the state’s south west, recorded 34.8mm of rainfall in the two hours until 11.30am on Tuesday.

The forecast for Melbourne is a cloudy and humid day with a top of 26C, but there is also a risk of late heavy storms.

But if it hits, it is not expected to last long with generally dry conditions on Wednesday through to Friday.

However the weekend could be wet, with the potential for “significant” rain overnight on Friday.

If there is rain, it could drop some Mallee dirt just before the downpour with soil being picked up as a dust storm in the middle of Australia.

Wednesday is expected to be partly cloudy with a top of 28C, Thursday and Friday are forecast to have a top of 31C.

It then could drop over the weekend with a high chance of showers.

Deadly floods along the east coast

Flooding rains continue to lash a long stretch of Australia’s east coast and there are also warnings the inundation may continue for days as the weather system heads south.

A disaster recovery payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for children is available for those impacted by the floods, with 26 localities across Queensland and NSW becoming eligible to access the payment from Tuesday.

A disaster recovery allowance to assist employees, small businesses and farmers who have lost income will also be provided to the 26 localities, as will payments for personal hardship and grants for local councils.

– With AAP