Sun Sep 15 17:00:01 UTC 2024: ## Australia Braces for Another Hot and Wild Weather Season

**Canberra, Australia** – The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a stark warning for Australians: brace yourselves for another season of extreme weather. While a La Niña event is not yet confirmed, the likelihood of a wetter-than-normal spring and summer, coupled with above-average temperatures, increases the risk of flooding, bushfires, and extreme heat events.

This follows an already unusual start to the season with record-breaking August temperatures, severe winds, Tasmanian floods, and hailstorms in Victoria. The BOM’s outlook highlights that these types of events are likely to continue throughout the coming months, with potential for multiple concurrent or sequential extreme events across different parts of the country.

The BOM’s General Manager for Environmental Prediction, Matt Collopy, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating that the outlook helps Australians prepare for severe weather on the horizon. The bureau’s warnings include:

* **Increased risk of river flooding:** Especially in Tasmania due to already high runoff levels.
* **Higher chance of extreme heat events:** With spring likely to be exceptionally warm.
* **Elevated risk of bushfires:** Across northeastern Australia, as well as drought-affected areas in Victoria and southeastern South Australia.
* **Potential for thunderstorm asthma:** Primarily around Canberra during the months of October to December.

While the BOM will provide more specific forecasts for tropical cyclones and bushfires in the coming months, the current outlook highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness.

Dr. Andrew King, a climate scientist at the University of Melbourne, emphasized that the frequency and intensity of these extreme events are linked to climate change. He highlighted the need for both adaptation strategies and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impacts of a warming planet.

Read More