Picture: Qld Fire and Emergency Services
Australia’s severe weather season is upon us and with it more frequent, and severe, storms, says the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Bureau is reminding everyone that the severe weather seasons run from October to April with tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, flooding, heatwaves and bushfires.
National Community Information Manager Andrea Peace says 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 four tropical cyclones cross Australia’s coast each year,” she says.
“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.”
She points out that eight tropical cyclones crossed northern Australia last season; four of them brought damaging winds and flooding.
According to the bureau, the highest risk for severe thunderstorms is usually along the east coast including northern NSW and southern Queensland.
There is a significant risk through inland Western Australia and across the tropical north during the wet season.
FIRE AND HEAT
Australia also faces extreme heatwaves over the warmer months and the bureau issues warnings if a severe or extreme heatwave is forecast within the four days following that.
“The bureau works closely with fire authorities to monitor weather conditions, issue fire danger ratings and warnings to keep the community informed ,” Peace says.
She says there is a greater fire risk for parts of Queensland, Northern Territory, western Victoria and south-eastern 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,” he says.
She says the bureau wants homes and properties reviewed, emergency plans updated and emergency kits created. The local emergency authority in each state and territory provides advice on how to prepare.
You can download the BOM Weather app here: warning notifications.
