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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Coast Pulse Hub Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Extreme weather in Australia spans heatwaves, cyclones, floods, and bushfires, driven by climate patterns like El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole. These events can strike suddenly, making preparedness and real-time awareness essential for safety.
What types of extreme weather affect Australia?
Australia experiences a wide range of extreme weather events, each with distinct triggers and seasons. The most common categories are listed below.
- Heatwaves – Extended periods of extreme heat, often exceeding 40°C in inland areas, linked to increased bushfire risk and health emergencies.
- Tropical cyclones – Form over warm ocean waters, bringing destructive winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall, particularly in northern Australia from November to April.
- Bushfires – Fuelled by dry vegetation, strong winds, and high temperatures; peak in spring and summer across southern states.
- Flooding – Caused by intense rainfall from East Coast Lows, monsoon troughs, or cyclone remnants, affecting both coastal and inland catchments.
- Severe thunderstorms – Produce large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding, common in southeast Queensland and New South Wales during spring and summer.
For real-time tracking, refer to the Severe Weather Warning page and national Weather Radar.
How can I prepare for extreme weather today?
Stay informed using official sources and follow these practical steps to reduce risk during an alert or warning.
- Check the latest Weather Warning for your region – especially for extreme weather in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, or other major cities.
- Have an emergency kit ready: water, non-perishable food, torch, batteries, first-aid supplies, and important documents in a waterproof bag.
- Know your local flood risk and have an evacuation plan for high-ground routes.
- During heatwaves, stay indoors in the coolest part of your home, hydrate regularly, and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.
- For bushfire-prone areas, monitor the South Australia Weather Warning and similar state alerts, and maintain a cleared zone around your property.
What is the difference between a cyclone and a tornado?
A tropical cyclone is a large, organised storm system that forms over warm ocean waters, while a tornado is a smaller, violently rotating column of air descending from a severe thunderstorm. Cyclones last days; tornadoes last minutes.
Where can I find an extreme weather map for today?
The Bureau of Meteorology provides an up-to-date extreme weather map showing active warnings for heat, fire, flood, and cyclone. Check their website or our Australia weather hub for links to current maps.
Are extreme weather events becoming more common in Australia?
Yes – climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather examples such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and bushfire conditions. Insurance data and BOM records show a clear upward trend since the 1990s.