The inside story on weather, climate, oceans and water.
The BOM Blog gives you the background and insider info on weather, climate, oceans, water and space weather—as well as the latest on the work of the Bureau.
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03 March 2020
The 2019–20 Australian summer was a season of two halves. The first half was exceptionally hot, dry and dusty. Parts of eastern and southern Australia were engulfed in significant bushfires, and smoke haze covered large areas. The second half of the season saw tropical moisture feeding south, producing well...
02 March 2020
Fire-generated thunderstorms (also known as pyrocumulonimbus) are thunderstorms that develop in bushfire smoke plumes. They can cause rapid and unpredictable changes to fire intensity and spread due to intense downburst winds, enhanced ember showers, lightning (causing new fires) and even fire tornadoes—all...
18 February 2020
After the intensely dry conditions of 2019, January and February have brought much-needed rain. Dams in many cities and towns were replenished and some farmers may be able to grow a crop for the first time in several seasons. So does this mean the drought has broken? The answer is not straightforward. There is no...
14 February 2020
Powerful waves are a source of fascination when they break along our shores. While surfers seek out the 'perfect' wave, dangerous waves can put your safety at risk if you like being in, on or around the water. They can also cause damage to coastlines and property. So what causes dangerous waves and how can you stay...
11 February 2020
"Is it going to rain?" It's one of the most frequently asked questions of our meteorologists, and one of the most challenging weather elements to predict. So, how does the Bureau forecast rainfall, and how will you know whether to pack an umbrella—or batten down the hatches? What causes rain? Clouds are...
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