A "severe thunderstorm" is likely to hit Ballarat later today, as a cool change brings potentially damaging winds and heavy rain to much of the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is expected the storms will hit during the afternoon and early evening.
The temperature is expected to climb to 33 degrees by about 2pm, before the cool change approaches.
The State Emergency Service is warning people to be cautious of flash flooding and is reinforcing the message not to drive through floodwaters.
Much of the central part of Victoria is likely to be hit by the severe thunderstorms, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, although they are possible throughout most of Victoria.
Between 5mm and 15mm is forecast but according to BoM senior forecaster Tom Delamotte, localised storms could see some areas receive as much as 50mm.
The forecast rain could play some part in clearing the smoke haze that is blanketting Ballarat, however it is still likely the smoke won't disappear until tomorrow.
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.