Severe storms lash mines in the Pilbara
Dangerous thunderstorms developed across northern WA in the early hours of this morning bringing intense rainfall to some mine sites in the region. A broad low pressure trough sitting over northern WA was behind the wild storm activity over the weekend and into Monday. The infrared satellite images below show the very tall, large and […]
Mining Australia braces for increased cyclone risk, heavy rainfall and flooding
The long-awaited monsoon could finally develop over northern Australia towards the end of next week, increasing the risk of heavy rain, thunderstorms and tropical cyclones in the second half of January. Historically the monsoon arrives around late December on average, so its potential arrival next week is considered tardy. However, the latest monsoon onset at […]
WA energy demand to soar amid extreme heatwave and potential record minimum for Perth
Energy demand will surge across large areas of WA as daytime temperatures climb into the mid-40s, with the warmest December night on record possible for Perth. The relentless heat will be caused by a stubborn high pressure system in the Bight, with prevailing easterly winds dragging an extremely hot airmass over northern WA, which will […]
Australia’s tropical cyclone risk increasing before Christmas
Abnormally warm ocean temperatures to the northwest of Australia will energise a swarm of tropical lows in the next couple of weeks, increasing the risk of tropical cyclone development before Christmas. The map below shows abundant cloud cover to the northwest of Australia at the beginning of this week. This tropical cloud cover has formed […]
WA faces extreme heatwave and fire danger
WA is bracing for a brutal heatwave for at least five days, with temperatures soaring into the 40s and heightened fire risks affecting much of the state. Western Australia is preparing for a relentless heatwave over the next five days, with temperatures climbing into the 40s and fire danger levels rising across much of the […]
Two tropical cyclones could form near Australia next week
A pair of tropical cyclones may form to the northwest of Australia next week, with the potential for one to come close to the Pilbara and Kimberley coasts. Northern Australia faces an increased risk of heavy rain and tropical cyclone activity in the coming week thanks to the interaction of two huge atmospheric waves near […]
Two giant atmospheric waves are about to clash near Australia – here’s what to expect
Northern Australia faces an increased risk of heavy rain and tropical cyclone activity in the coming weeks thanks to the interaction of two huge atmospheric waves near Australia. While Earth’s atmosphere may appear chaotic, there are distinct wave-like patterns in the sky that meteorologists watch out for to help predict the weather in the coming […]
La Niña and negative IOD declarations unlikely this summer
Australia should experience summer without the influence of major climate drivers like La Niña or a negative IOD, potentially heightening the risk of heatwaves, extreme heat and bushfires across parts of the country. Pacific Ocean climate driver During much of 2024, the sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific have been cooler than […]
Australia faces high fire danger this summer
Australia recorded its warmest spring on record, with also severe rainfall deficiencies occurring across parts of the country, setting the stage for high fire risk this summer. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) released their summer bushfire outlook for 2024 on Thursday, November 28, showing large areas of the NT, Vic and […]