For temporary streams (intermittent and ephemeral streams), the processes that control streamflow generation remain poorly understood, challenging our ability to predict the onset of flows critical for ecological communities. Complex temporal and spatial interactions between surface water and groundwater, variable flow regimes, flashy and erosive flows, and unpredictable timing make field-based research challenging and often not feasible in such systems, resulting in the lack of long-term, comprehensive datasets. In the context of limited data availability, fully Integrated Surface-Subsurface Hydrological Models (ISSHM) can serve as a proxy to understand the processes controlling the hydrology in temporary streams. The goal of this study is to understand the influences of groundwater depth, soil hydraulic properties, and rainfall to identify the main drivers controlling the threshold behaviour of streamflow generation in temporary streams. Therefore, we implement a concept development approach using an ISSHM coupled with the Hydraulic Mixing-Cell (HMC) method to understand the drivers that dictate the threshold of streamflow and provide insight to the generation mechanisms in a theoretical catchment with a temporary stream. Hydrograph nodes were distributed at the outlet, midstream and headwaters to determine the effect of contributing area and the partitioning of contributing flow generation mechanisms into infiltration-saturation excess overland flow, stream interception, and groundwater discharge. Expected results are to elucidate the thresholds and pathways of flow under a variety of conditions typical of arid regions where temporary streams dominate the landscape. This will be useful for ecosystems health monitoring and to inform policy that adopts better management practices for temporary streams.