Thunderstorms have developed over northern and eastern parts of Melbourne this afternoon and bring the potential for heavy downpours, damaging wind gusts and large hail. A broad low pressure trough extending over Victoria has led to widespread instability across the state. The very warm temperatures and humid east to northeasterly flow have also contributed to the unstable conditions. Melbourne and surrounding suburbs climbed into the high twenties to low thirties today, which was three to six degrees above average for most. It was a muggy heat as moisture flowed across the state from the Tasman Sea. Thunderstorms began developing during the heat of the afternoon over Melbourne's northern and eastern suburbs. The first of the storms developed just after 2:30pm and have since spread across the city. These storms are very slow moving and are likely to bring heavy bursts of rain, which could lead to localised flash flooding. In addition, there is also the risk of potentially damaging wind gusts and large hailstones. The threat of thunderstorms will ease for Melbourne during the next few days as the trough track further west across the state. Another trough will arrive early next week, which could bring another round of storms.