9 October 2025
The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) are urging all Territorians to prepare for the 2025-26 Higher Risk Weather Season, running from today until April 2026.
This is the peak time for severe weather including cyclones, floods, and severe storms across the Top End, while regions in Central Australia continue to experience elevated fire danger and the risk of severe storms.
Territorians and visitors should be vigilant as it only takes one significant weather event to make an impact.
BOM is predicting that the first significant rain of the northern wet season is likely to be earlier than usual for the Northern Territory.
When the monsoon is active, tropical lows and tropical cyclones are more likely, along with heavy and widespread rainfall that can lead to quick creek and river rises, resulting in flooding.
Now is the time for all Territorians and people visiting the NT to:
Review and replenish emergency kits with essentials such as water, nonperishable food, medications, and important documents.Prepare a household emergency plan available at SecureNT detailing communication and shelter arrangements.Prepare your property by clearing gutters, trimming trees, and anchoring loose items.Stay informed by checking Secure NT for the latest warnings and advice.Familiarise yourself with the Australian Warning System (AWS).
NTES offers a free cyclone briefing to businesses, government agencies, community groups and high schools to help prepare Territorians for Tropical Cyclones in the Northern Territory. To book, visit Community Engagement | NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services here.
Quotes attributable to the Chief Officer of NTES, Wayne Snell:
"Territorians know how challenging severe weather can be, but we are still seeing complacency in the community,"
"I remind all Territorians that now is the time to prepare your home, review your household emergency plans, and secure your property. Simple steps like clearing gutters, securing outdoor items, and having an emergency kit ready can make all the difference during a crisis."
Quotes attributable to Bureau Hazard Preparedness and Response Manger, NT, Shenagh Gamble:
"The first significant rains of this upcoming wet season are likely to be earlier than usual across the Northern Territory."
"The average monsoon onset at Darwin is around the last week in December, and when it is active, tropical lows and tropical cyclones are more likely, along with heavy and widespread rain."
"Heavy rainfall can cause rivers and creeks to rise quickly, sometimes without warning, so it is important for residents to stay up to date with the Bureau's latest forecasts and warnings on [http://www.bom.gov.au] or the BOM Weather app."
