AUSTRALIA, 24 February 2026 – The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued urgent severe weather warnings as a significant monsoon low sweeps across the continent, threatening to deliver a year’s worth of rainfall to some regions in just one week. Residents in the Northern Territory, New South Wales, and Victoria are on high alert today as the “rain bomb” system intensifies.
Current Severe Weather Warnings
As of Tuesday, 24 February, the Bureau has highlighted a “multi-day heavy rainfall event” impacting central and south-eastern Australia. A Severe Weather Warning is currently active, stretching from the Northern Territory into the Upper Western and Lower Western districts of New South Wales.
Meteorologists warn that six-hourly rainfall totals between 40mm and 70mm are possible. In Melbourne, thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rain and potential flash flooding throughout Tuesday afternoon. The system is expected to begin easing by Wednesday morning, though flood risks remain high for inland river catchments.
Historical Context of Australian Forecasting
The Bureau of Meteorology has been the cornerstone of Australian safety since its founding in 1907. Over the decades, the agency has evolved from manual synoptic analysis to sophisticated numerical weather prediction models.
| Milestone Year | Development in Australian Meteorology |
|---|---|
| 1907 | Official founding of the Bureau of Meteorology. |
| 1913 | First experimental upper-air observations using balloon meteorographs (Griffith Taylor). |
| 1969 | First real-time numerical weather forecasts for the Southern Hemisphere. |
| 1998–2013 | Operation of the statistical seasonal prediction system. |
| 2026 | Current implementation of high-resolution multi-day rainfall modelling. |
Regional Outlook: What to Expect Today
- Northern Territory: Widespread rain and thunderstorms continue, particularly around the central low-pressure system.
- New South Wales: Heavy rainfall likely to lead to flash flooding in the Upper and Lower Western districts today and into Wednesday.
- Victoria: Melbourne and surrounding areas face a high risk of severe thunderstorms and sudden inundation.
- South Australia: Eastern parts of the state remain under threat of severe storm activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the BoM update its forecasts?
The Bureau typically issues official seven-day weather forecasts for Australian towns and cities twice per day, usually in the early morning and late afternoon. However, during severe weather events, warnings are updated much more frequently as new radar and satellite data becomes available.
What is a “Monsoon Low”?
A monsoon low is a circular area of low atmospheric pressure that often forms within the monsoon trough. In Australia, these systems can move inland, carrying vast amounts of tropical moisture and causing widespread, heavy rainfall and flooding far from the coast.
Where can I find the latest emergency updates?
For real-time safety information, residents should monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website, the BoM Weather app, and local ABC Emergency broadcasts. If flash flooding occurs, the State Emergency Service (SES) advises never to drive, walk, or ride through floodwaters.