Can the Central West flood after heavy rain?

Yes. The Macquarie, Lachlan and Bogan rivers can flood after large totals, as in the 2022 Eugowra and Forbes floods.

How much rain is forecast for the Central West?

The map shows forecast rainfall totals in millimetres across the Central West for the next 24 hours. Zoom in and tap your town for the figure at that exact point, and check the valid time above the map so you know which forecast run you are reading.

How often is the Central West NSW rainfall map updated?

A new map is published whenever a fresh forecast run is uploaded, usually daily. The issued and valid times shown above the map identify the run, in Australian eastern time.

Will my suburb in the Central West get exactly that amount?

No. Each colour is a broad guide to expected totals across a fairly wide area. Showers and thunderstorms can double the total in one suburb and miss the next, so treat it as a best estimate rather than a measurement.

Is this an official rainfall or flood warning for the Central West?

No. It is forecast guidance to help you plan. Official rainfall, flood and severe weather warnings are issued only by the Bureau of Meteorology and always take priority.

What is the difference between the daily and 7 day rainfall maps for the Central West?

The daily map covers the next 24 hours, which suits travel, outdoor work and event decisions. The 7 day map adds up rainfall across the week, which suits farming, water storage and longer planning.

Can I use this to judge flood risk in the Central West?

Only as an early signal. Heavy totals over already wet catchments raise the risk, but flooding also depends on soil moisture, river levels and how quickly the rain falls. Follow Bureau of Meteorology flood warnings and state emergency service advice.

Central West NSW Daily Rainfall Forecast

Forecast daily rainfall totals across Central West NSW, valid 25 Sept 2026, 4:00 am Australian eastern time

Valid 25 Sept 2026, 4:00 am AEST

Issued 23 Sept 2026, 10:00 pm AEST

24-hour accumulated rainfall

Forecast guidance

Central West NSW Daily Rainfall Forecast

Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Parkes see summer storms with hail and damaging winds, plus inland flooding from prolonged rain.

This forecast shows rain expected across the Central West over the next 24 hours, in millimetres. Tap any point for a reading, or open the national Australia map.

Pale blues show light falls, greens and yellows a useful soaking, and orange through purple the heaviest totals. Treat totals as a broad regional guide and check warnings close to the event.

See Central West NSW thunderstorm forecast map See Central West NSW 7 day rainfall forecast map

Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Rainfall overlay: Tim's Severe Weather.

Forecast image sourced fromMeteologix

Rainfall intensity

millimetres

0.1

100

125

150

175

200

250

300

400

500+

Light 0.1–10 mm

Moderate 10–30 mm

Heavy 30–100 mm

Very heavy 100 mm+

These descriptions help interpret totals only; they are not official warning levels.

Using the Central West NSW rainfall forecast safely

This map is forecast guidance, not a warning. Totals change with every model run, and a single storm can drop far more rain on one catchment than the map suggests. Official rainfall, flood and severe weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology always take priority for the Central West. Never drive through floodwater.

For rain already falling, use the rainfall radar and observations. For storm risk, see the Central West NSW thunderstorm forecast map.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Reference

Central West NSW Daily Rainfall Forecast

Central West NSW Daily Rainfall Forecast

Rainfall intensity

Daily Rainfall Forecast for other areas

Using the Central West NSW rainfall forecast safely

Central West NSW in focus

Clear issued and valid times

Guidance, not a warning

Frequently Asked Questions

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