Home › Weather › Severe Weather
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Pulse Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Severe weather refers to dangerous atmospheric phenomena such as thunderstorms, cyclones, heatwaves, and heavy rain that can threaten life and property. In Australia, severe weather peaks from spring through autumn, with tropical cyclones affecting the north and east coast, while severe storms and flash flooding are common across the southeast.
What conditions are classified as severe weather?
The Bureau of Meteorology issues severe weather warnings when criteria are met, including damaging wind gusts over 90 km/h, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hail (≥2 cm), or dangerous heatwave conditions. Each hazard is assessed by location and season, ensuring warnings are specific to local risks.
How should you prepare for severe weather events?
Staying informed is the key step. Check the current severe weather warnings for your region before heading out. Secure loose outdoor items, have an emergency kit ready, and avoid driving through floodwaters. For severe weather melbourne or severe weather sydney, localised forecasts and radar updates are essential ahead of storms.
What is the difference between a severe thunderstorm warning and a severe weather warning?
A severe thunderstorm warning is for single storm cells with damaging wind, large hail, or heavy rain. A broader severe weather warning covers widespread hazards like east coast lows, cyclones, or prolonged heatwaves affecting multiple regions.
How long is a severe weather warning valid?
Validity varies: most severe thunderstorm warnings last 1–2 hours, while cyclone or flood warnings may be updated over several days. Always check the latest warning for your area, as conditions change quickly.
Where can I find severe weather warnings near me?
Use the official Bureau of Meteorology website or our weather radar page. For localised updates, we also cover severe weather warning today, severe weather outlook, and severe weather tomorrow for all Australian capitals.