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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Southern Focus Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Extreme weather events in Australia include bushfires, floods, cyclones and heatwaves, with the Bureau of Meteorology recording a clear increase in their frequency and intensity over recent decades.
What counts as an extreme weather event?
An extreme weather event is a severe or unseasonal weather condition that differs significantly from the average pattern for a location. Examples include tropical cyclones, severe thunderstorms, east coast lows, prolonged heatwaves and catastrophic bushfire conditions.
- Extreme weather events in Australia are often driven by climate drivers like El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
- Extreme weather events examples include the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires and the 2022 eastern Australia floods.
- Extreme weather events in the last 10 years have become more costly, with insured losses exceeding $5 billion in some years.
- Extreme weather events recently have included severe hailstorms in south-east Queensland and record-breaking heat in Western Australia.
How are extreme events tracked?
The Bureau of Meteorology issues severe weather warnings and maintains a national radar network to monitor developing threats. Understanding extreme weather events statistics helps communities prepare and respond.
- Check current conditions on our Weather Radar page.
- For active alerts, see Weather Warning and Severe Weather Warning pages.
- Extreme weather events in history, such as Cyclone Tracy (1974) and the 1974 Brisbane floods, remain benchmarks for risk planning.
What is the difference between severe weather and extreme weather?
Severe weather typically refers to a single dangerous event like a thunderstorm or hailstorm. Extreme weather is broader, covering events that are statistically rare or record-breaking for a given region.
Are extreme weather events becoming more common in Australia?
Yes. Bureau of Meteorology data shows a clear trend: the frequency of extreme heat events and heavy rainfall has increased since the 1970s, while the number of tropical cyclones has declined slightly but their intensity may be rising.
How can I stay informed about extreme weather?
Monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website and app, subscribe to local warning services, and check our Australia weather hub for up-to-date forecasts and alerts.