Australia's emergency management agencies are ramping up preparations for the 2026-27 Higher Risk Weather Season, with forecasts indicating an unusually warm spring and summer across much of the country.
While severe weather can occur at any time of year, the period from October to April is typically associated with heightened risks of bushfires, heatwaves, severe thunderstorms, flooding and tropical cyclones.
The Bureau of Meteorology's latest seasonal outlook indicates:
- An increased likelihood of unusually warm daytime and overnight temperatures across the southern two-thirds of Australia during September, October and November.
- Spring rainfall is likely to be below average in parts of the southern and eastern Australia, but above average across much of the western half of Australia.
- Warmer-than-average days and nights likely nationwide from November through January.
- Above-average rainfall likely across much of Australia during November to January. But below-average rainfall likely across Far North Queensland and Tasmania over the same period.
- Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures along Australia's south-eastern coastline, which may increase the frequency or intensity of storms and heavy rainfall in coastal areas.
- Tasmania, parts of northern Victoria and eastern South Australia remaining areas of flood concern in the short term due to saturated catchments and runoff potential.
To support national preparedness efforts, the National Emergency Management Agency's (NEMA) fourth annual National Preparedness Summit is taking place in Canberra, bringing together representatives from all levels of government, emergency services, industry and the not-for-profit sector.
Held over two days, the summit will examine seasonal outlooks, potential impacts, preparedness measures and national coordination arrangements ahead of the higher-risk weather season. Participants will also take part in a large-scale preparedness exercise designed to test national arrangements against a range of scenarios.
The Albanese Government also continues to strengthen the National Emergency Management Stockpile, invest in key national preparedness capabilities - including the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet, AusAlert and Public Safety Mobile Broadband - and fund disaster preparedness through the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund, which has already committed $600 million to 449 disaster resilience and mitigation projects across its three funding rounds.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"The Albanese Government is committed to helping Australians before, during and after natural disasters.
"We've seen more than 70 per cent of Australian local government areas affected by natural disasters since 2022, many on more than one occasion. Communities understand the importance of being prepared.
"With warmer conditions forecast across much of the country, now is the time for governments, businesses and communities to prepare for the higher-risk weather season.
"Preparedness is a shared responsibility. While governments and emergency services are doing everything possible to get ready for the season ahead, households also have a role to play.
"I encourage all Australians to review their emergency plans, understand their local risks, prepare their properties and know where to access official warnings and information."
