Qld weather: Warning of extreme summer conditions that could deliver major storms, bushfires and cyclones
Queenslanders are being warned to prepare for the increased likelihood of extreme weather this summer, with storms and above-average rainfall and temperatures on the cards.
Queensland faces a high risk of extreme weather over the coming months, with the weather bureau forecasting above-average temperatures and rainfall, with residents advised to prepare themselves for storm season.
The forecast comes as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) releases this year’s severe weather outlook for Queensland.
The Bureau’s long-range forecasts indicate that rainfall is likely to be above average for large parts of eastern Australia, including Queensland, from now until January.
For the Sunshine State, the strongest chance of above-average rainfall will be in North Queensland during the warmer months.
The Bureau’s long-range forecasts also indicate that both minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to be above average for large parts of Queensland over the coming months.
Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Laura Boekel said all Queenslanders face a higher risk of severe weather between October and April.
“Severe weather can develop quickly and can threaten lives and property,” she said.
“This is the peak time for thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, flooding, heatwaves and bush fires.
“Severe thunderstorms are more common, bringing heavy rainfall, damaging winds, large hail and the risk of flooding.
“Dangerous and destructive fires are a risk in Australia during the warmer months.
“An average of three to four tropical cyclones cross Australian coastlines each season and records show that at least one tropical cyclone has always made landfall every season in Australia.
“It only takes one, however, to have serious impacts from heavy rainfall, damaging or destructive winds, and storms.
“Flash flooding and riverine flooding are also more common during the severe weather months.”
The release of the long-range weather forecast for Queensland coincides with the launch of Get Ready Queensland Week 2025.
More than 50 Get Ready events will take place this week across the state, encouraging Queenslanders to put their plans in place before severe weather strikes.
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said early preparation is critical to navigating natural disasters and extreme weather.
“It is all about asking Queenslanders to get ready,” Ms Leahy said.
“This week is about getting ready, it is about doing those practical things that you can around your home, things like cleaning out the gutters, making sure you’ve actually tied down some of those particular items, like trampolines that tend to blow away in thunderstorms.
“You can make sure that your home and your family are ready, you have all those things in place if you’re evacuated.
“I think the really important message here to Queenslanders is that the weather doesn’t plan, but you can.”
North Queensland rugby league great and Get Ready Queensland ambassador Johnathan Thurston stressed the importance of preparing early for storm season.
“I’ve had lived experiences during the disaster season with floods in Townsville, obviously cyclones, so we want all Queenslanders to be stay safe,” Thurston said.
“We know that families and communities recover best when they’re prepared so it is important to make sure that they do have a plan.”
When preparing for storm season, it is important for Queensland to know their risk, make a plan, and pack an emergency kit.
For information, tips and resources on getting ready for disaster season, visit the Get Ready Queensland website, getready.qld.gov.au
