Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

 
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Prepare now for Australia's severe weather season

08/10/2024

The Bureau of Meteorology is urging communities to get ready and prepare for Australia’s severe weather season.

While severe weather can happen at any time, every year between October and April is Australia's peak time for:

  • tropical cyclones
  • severe thunderstorms
  • flooding
  • heatwaves
  • bushfires.

National Community Information Manager Andrea Peace said that the Bureau issues regular forecasts and warnings about the likely severity and impacts of severe weather and the impact of severe weather can be reduced by getting ready before it happens.

“Tropical cyclone activity varies from year to year but an average of 4 tropical cyclones cross Australia's coast each year. Based on historical patterns alone, a near average number of tropical cyclones in the Australian region could be expected this season, with a higher proportion likely to be more severe," Ms. Peace said.

"Any tropical cyclone can be dangerous, and it only takes one to significantly impact communities. Last year we had 8 tropical cyclones across northern Australia waters. Four crossed our coast bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall leading to flooding.”

During the warmer months severe thunderstorms are more common, bringing heavy rainfall, damaging winds, large hail and the risk of flooding anywhere in Australia.

The highest risk for severe thunderstorms is usually along the east coast including northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. There's also a significant risk through inland Western Australia and across the tropical north during the wet season.

Flash flooding and riverine flooding are more common during severe weather season, particularly across northern and eastern parts of the country.

Australia also has an increased risk of severe and extreme heatwaves over the warmer months.

The Bureau issues heatwave warnings when a severe or extreme heatwave is forecast within the following 4 days.

This can lead to dangerous and destructive fires throughout Australia.

"The Bureau works closely with fire authorities to monitor weather conditions, issue fire danger ratings and warnings to keep the community informed ," Ms. Peace said.

“Fire authorities are advising an increased fire risk in the spring months for parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory, western Victoria and south-east South Australia.

"They also advise a potential early start to the fire season in parts of South Australia and Victoria, and extending to Tasmania if there are warm and dry conditions leading into summer."

Severe weather can develop quickly and threaten lives and property. Now is the time to prepare your home and property, review and update your emergency plans and create your emergency kits. The local emergency authority in each state and territory provides advice on how to prepare.

Stay up to date with the Bureau's forecasts and warnings. Download the BOM Weather app and set up warning notifications.

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