Severe Weather and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
The Bureau of Meteorology provides warnings for severe weather and severe thunderstorms which have the potential to affect the safety and well-being of people in Australia. Make sure you know where to find information and what to do when severe weather is forecast.
Know your warning
Severe Weather Warnings are provided for potentially hazardous or dangerous weather that is not solely related to severe thunderstorms, tropical cyclones or bushfires. They are issued whenever severe weather is occurring in an area or is expected to develop or move into an area.
Find out more about Severe Weather Warnings
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are provided to warn communities of the threat of dangerous thunderstorms. They are issued when a severe thunderstorm is occurring or likely to occur.
Keep up to date
Remember that the weather can change quickly, so check your local weather forecast and radar (if available) and keep up to date with the latest warnings on the Bureau's website, app and Twitter feed.
Be prepared and stay safe
Safety statements are included in the warnings. These have been developed in consultation with state and territory emergency service organisations.
The Bureau's Severe Weather Warning Service
Severe thunderstorm warning services are provided from the Bureau's Regional Forecasting Centres in State and Territory capitals. Forecasters use computer model predictions, together with data from satellite pictures, radar displays, lightning detection networks, ground-based observations and reports from "storm spotters" to monitor weather conditions and prepare warnings.
Fig 1: Gathering storm in Australia