While Melbourne was preparing to host the OIympic Games and Elvis Presley was dancing around the world in his Blue Suede Shoes, Orange was being soaked by 271 millimetres of rain in March of that year.

That's the highest rainfall for March on record in the city and while that isn't beyond the realms of possibility this month, eclipsing 2012's mark as the wettest since is far more likely.

In fact, it appears almost inevitable.

Consistent rain throughout Sunday night pushed Orange's total rainfall this month to a sopping 156mm, just 19 shy of the 175mm that fell back in 2012.

Monday afternoon's forecast showers, possibly heavy, were expected to push that mark even higher before another predicted downpour on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a 95 per cent chance of between 35 and 60mm of rain on Tuesday, most likely from showers in the morning and afternoon, with thunderstorms possible in the evening as well.

If the heavens only delivered that minimum, this month would officially become the wettest March since 1956.

The month began in dry fashion as no rain was recorded through the first 11 days of March, before a torrent brought almost 120mm and caused flash flooding across Orange in the following three days.

Although, the level of rain Orange has received still pales in comparison to the torrential downpours and wild weather which has devastated the east coast of Australia. For example, Taree alone has received more than 500mm in March alone.

"Relentless rainfall is expected to continue into mid-week," BOM meteorologist Jonathon Hew said, Orange's rainfall levels still aren't expected to reach coastal levels.

"Rain will persist into Monday as the coastal trough lingers. At the same time a band of rain and thunderstorms fueled by tropical moisture will move down from central Australia.

"These two systems will collide on Monday night into Tuesday and it's likely we'll see a significant, multi-state rain band, this may trigger further river rises.

"Rain and flood are not over yet, so please keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings and follow all advice from emergency services."

So far this year Orange has received more than 380mm of rain, with more than 145mm also falling in February.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: