It’s the news most of south-east Australia has been waiting for: the big wet could be coming to an end. After nearly three years of rain and flood events the ensemble of wet climate drivers, led by a triple La Niña, is rapidly breaking down. In other words, ocean and wind patterns surrounding Australia either have … Read more
One of the climate factors that brought so much rain to eastern Australia has eased, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), as it forecasts some respite for flood-weary communities. Key points: BOM’s fortnightly climate driver update shows that the Indian Ocean Dipole is in neutral La Niña persists but is expected to shift to neutral in … Read more
More heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are on the way for regional Queensland as some areas mop up after an overnight drenching caused flash flooding, damage and SES callouts. Key points: The BOM says forecasters are closely monitoring a trough that could develop into a low-pressure system today It comes after heavy falls in central … Read more
Queensland suffered more economic damage from extreme weather disasters than any other state or territory, and more extreme weather is on the way. Key points: Disasters have cost Queensland about $30 billion since the 1970s The former QFES commissioner says the disaster management system is under pressure Public infrastructure damage in south-east Queensland has cost $492 … Read more
Extreme weather is posing a challenge for outdoor festival organisers across Australia, dampening hopes this summer high season would revive a music industry hit by two years of COVID disruptions. Key points: Multiple events have already been cancelled this year due to bad weather A third consecutive La Niña brings the threat of another wet summer … Read more
Whether you are camping, going to the beach, house-boating or four-wheel driving, this summer is going to be wet and cool for some and hot and sunny for others. Here’s what you can expect in each state and territory. Queensland The Sunshine State has been failing to live up to its name of late and this summer … Read more
Australia is continuing to warm. Extreme heat days continue to become more frequent, fire weather continues to ramp up and sea levels continue to rise. Key points: National and global temperatures continue to rise despite the COVID-induced blip in emissions Australia’s climate has now warmed by about 1.5 degrees Celsius since national records began in … Read more
It has been round after round after round of rain over the past few weeks, on top of all the rain of the past few years. So why is it just so wet out there? More importantly, when will it stop? Where is all the moisture coming from? There is always a lot going on up in … Read more
Alice Springs residents have a massive clean-up job ahead of them after the outback town was smashed by a powerful storm over the weekend. In just a few moments, a chaotic downburst of wind and rain knocked over trees, blew off roofs and downed powerlines. Eyewitnesses say they were “terrified” by the ferocity of the storm’s … Read more
Receding floodwaters have begun revealing the extent of damage across central west New South Wales, including one of the main highways through the state. Key points: Forbes experienced near-record flooding on Saturday and the town remains inundated by water Towns along the Barwon-Darling River will remain isolated for weeks Southern parts of Narrandera are isolated … Read more