Snail shells offer slow and steady map of past weather
An analysis of snail shells has shown they carry meteorology records on their backs, opening the prospect of discovering past weather records from prehistory.
weather science
Rising sea levels threaten more than 267,000 properties
Rising seas and storm surges could cost Australia more than $855 billion, endangering homes, businesses, infrastructure and land.
‘Supersized’ El Nino may become strongest ever recorded
The world should brace for extreme heat as an exceptionally strong El Nino develops, the World Meteorological Organization warns.
Western Europe sets June and July temperature record
Western Europe has recorded its hottest June and July with average temperatures of 21.6C, the EU's Copernicus climate agency says.
Climate agencies to ask AI to predict future disasters
Artificial intelligence could play a major role in predicting natural disasters around Australia but authorities warn they do not understand it well enough.
Cyclone-hammered reefs can take many years to recover
Coral reefs and their fish populations can take many years to recover after being hammered by severe tropical cyclones, researchers say.
Climate change made heatwave five times more likely
Australia has just experienced its worst heatwave in six years but it's set to become much more common under existing policies to curb carbon emissions.
Aussies see fire and rain as extremes lash the nation
Fires are burning on one side of the country while the threat of floods on the other has led to calls for people to remain vigilant.
No time to stow the brollies with soggy spring forecast
Spring has not yet sprung but forecasters say a soggy season awaits much of Australia, with parts tipped to receive heavy rainfall and flooding.
Urban fire risk for climates like LA as planet warms
Australian cities with similar climates to Los Angeles are experiencing the same drying conditions and erratic rainfall, which does not bode well for fire risk.
From Pondi to Bondi: frying Sydneysiders hit the beach
Thousands of people have flocked to beaches as heatwave conditions persevere in Sydney and parts of NSW and Queensland.
Scientists tip 2024 to be world’s hottest on record
The European climate agency says 2024 will very likely be hottest year on record, driven by the burning of fossil fuels.
Mental health taking a hit as climate crisis worsens
Poor health outcomes are being attributed to extreme heat events, rapid rain bursts and worsening fire season as part of a growing climate crisis.
Cameras reveal wombat burrows can be safe havens after fire and waterholes after rain
As large and severe fires become more common in forests across southeastern Australia, our wildlife will need all the help they can get – including the humble wombat burrow.
Weather bureau doing its best amid ‘chaos’, expert says
The Bureau of Meteorology has been a punching bag for frustrated Aussies during recent wild weather events but an expert has come to its defence.
Vic on alert for high-risk bushfire season after floods
As regional communities continue to pick up the pieces from devastating floods, Victoria will lurch back into a high-risk bushfire season this spring.
No El Nino for now but authorities remain on alert
The prospect of hotter, drier weather has authorities concerned even as the Bureau of Meteorology holds off on declaring an El Nino event.
Warming ‘made July hotter for 80 per cent of humans’
US science non-profit Climate Central says a study indicates global warming made the month of July hotter for four out of five people on the earth.
Why is it so damn cold right now? A weather researcher explains
Sydney experienced its coldest June morning today since 2010, with a temperature of 5.2ºC. In Victoria, temperatures of -7.2ºC were recorded. So what’s going on? Here’s what you need to know.
An El Niño looms over Australia’s stressed electricity system – and we must plan for the worst
Australia’s electricity grid may be fine this summer. But given what’s on the horizon, it would be prudent to plan for the worst.
Flash floods follow front across Victoria
A low pressure trough and cold front are bringing heavy rains across Victoria, causing flooding in parts of the state.
Why 40°C is bearable in a desert but lethal in the tropics
Have you ever wondered why 40°C is bearable in a desert but lethal in the tropics?
How is climate change affecting El Niño and La Niña?
For more than 30 years, climate researchers have puzzled over the link between human-caused climate change and El Niño and La Niña events. New research is shedding light on what might be happening.
Torres Strait flooding fears as sea-level peak imminent
Traditional owners in the Torres Strait say rising sea levels continue to damage their islands, with fears an imminent tidal peak could inundate communities.
Wetter winter than usual forecast for many
After much of Australia endured a soggy autumn, forecasters say an unusual amount of rainfall will most likely dampen heads over winter.
Queensland and northern NSW rainfall records smashed in 2022
Record floods that hit Queensland and NSW earlier this year have led to many areas experiencing their wettest week since 1900, the Bureau of Meteorology says.