Rain has already started in Ararat, but the big change is still to come with the heaviest falls so far near the South Australian border, but gradually heading east throughout the day.

Bureau of Meteorology Senior Forecaster Chris Godfred said the day will remain cloudy, but will turn muggy in the afternoon as the chance of storms increase.

“Storms are always a hit and miss proposition, but this afternoon you can reasonably assured we’ll get up to 5mm in passing showers, but if a storm hits you could see 20-30mm in a short space of time.

“Tonight we will see things start to cool off, the winds will swing around and it will be less humid.

“Ballarat can expect a top of 20 degrees on Tuesday, but then a proper cold front will come through on Thursday morning which will see the temperature plummet to a top of around about 12 degrees.”

Mr Godfred said the thunderstorm asthma alert had been pushed up to moderate throughout the day, but would be dropped top low once the cold front comes through.

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