Weather

A week before parts of Yorke Peninsula soared above 40 degrees, the Bureau of Meteorology released its official record of Australia’s climate, water and significant weather events for 2024. The report ... revealed South Australia recorded its second hottest year on record, being on average 1.6 degrees warmer than previous years.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the damage across Harden and Murrumburrah from severe storms on Monday varies from businesses who were dealing with up to two inches of water in their stores, to nearby farmers and wildlife. “We’re seeing trees that are down, fences that have gone into creeks, the bird life has been impacted and most importantly, pastures have been shredded.”

The visionary Bradfield Scheme – which by design diverts excess floodwaters from the upper Tully, Herbert and Burdekin river systems – could have ameliorated the devastating 2025 North Queensland floods had it been built, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has said.

Hugh Schuitemaker. Current forecasted temperatures for the Riverland are set to remain above at least 37C until Tuesday, with a high of 41 set for tomorrow. Renmark-based Angove Family Winemakers chief winemaker Tony Ingle said the excessive heat could cause grapes on vines to appear ready for harvest without the necessary character development for quality wine.

Last Tuesday’s hot weather conditions, with the mercury pushing 38 degrees (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) by mid-afternoon, had an impact on the day’s midweek pennant games, with at least results being called early to protect player safety.

A storm front that ripped through the Upper Murray last Wednesday caused indiscriminate and varying degrees of damage, delivering rain falls of 10mm to 25mm. The Corryong SES responded to a callout to clear a fallen poplar tree at Tintandra ... More extensive damage was caused at Towong where a large tree came down ...

With hazardous weather conditions forecast to impact parts of NSW over the coming days, including major Sydney beaches, Surf Life Saving NSW is urging the public to exercise caution when visiting the coastline.

Preparedness is essential in managing emergencies, and Buloke Shire Council has been actively enhancing its readiness to support the community during severe weather events. Recent annual training, live drills, such as practising raising the marine-grade aluminium flood barriers in Donald on Thursday, and investments in flood mitigation infrastructure, demonstrate Council’s commitment to improving emergency response capabilities.

Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin on Christmas Day 50 years ago. By  dawn, on what is supposed to be a joyous day, at least 50 people were dead, 17 were lost at sea, hundreds injured and about 45,000 people were homeless ... Fifty years on, the night of hell on Earth remains with many survivors still alive. They will never forget their houses exploding into pieces as they tried to shelter from the cyclone. Christmas has never been the same for them.

Local Goomburra resident Corrie Ross was out with his trusty camera shooting some spectacular images. Local Goomburra resident Corrie Ross was out with his trusty camera shooting some spectacular images.

Following the wet La Niña years with widespread flooding, drier conditions have resulted in a drop in waterbird numbers and breeding in 2024. UNSW’s annual waterbird survey, conducted by researchers and government collaborators, has observed fewer waterbirds breeding and a drop of nearly 50 per cent in overall numbers, compared to 2023.

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) crews are still responding to more than 120 reports of damaged properties after a severe storm impacted the Riverina at the weekend. The towns of The Rock and Yenda saw significant damage with widespread power outages, uprooted trees and roof damage.

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has reassured communities the storages and weirs are well positioned to meet irrigation, community, and environmental needs this summer. MDBA Executive Director of River Management, Jacqui Hickey, said managing the system adaptively to respond to the changing conditions is key for ensuring the River Murray System operates smoothly during the peak demand period.

Electricity distributor AusNet has spent almost $60 million on vegetation management and maintenance programs in the last 12 months, to prepare the network ready for summer. AusNet Executive General Manager Distribution, Andrew Linnie, said it’s important that the network is ready for severe weather events.

Hugh Schuitemaker. Riverland stone fruit growers have seen "large amounts" of certain crops wiped out at a critical time, following last week’s heavy rainfall ... "We all appreciate a good rain, and we all need it of course – especially the farmers – but the reality is that it does do a lot of damage, in terms of stone fruit, depending on timing'; Summerfruit SA executive officer Tim Grieger.

Several clean-up operations were in place across Grafton ... after a ferocious storm swept across southern parts of the Clarence Valley. Trees were uprooted by strong gusts of wind and localised flash flooding cut roads in half as heavy rain fell relentlessly during the afternoon and into the evening.

Weather forecasters are predicting widespread rainfall for November, across NSW and Queensland. Falls of between 20 and 60 mm are being touted for the Back Country. The Bureau of Meteorology says rainfall is likely to be above average across much of eastern Australia and parts of the interior until January.

Hugh Schuitemaker. State government politicians have been invited to witness ongoing impacts of frost and industry challenges on the Riverland wine industry, following the announcement of a support program that has left senior local MPs "frustrated" … Tim Whetstone said direct state government consultation with Riverland growers impacted by recent frost, and other industry challenges, had been lacking.

Sebastian Calderon. Riverland grape growers gathered last week to tour some of the frost-damaged vineyards at Loxton, aiming to discuss new approaches to manage the weather events, while also voicing opinions with Riverland Wine representatives regarding unknown grape prices. The meeting started at Peter and Michelle Hill’s Loxton North property...

After arriving via the Rural Fire Service helicopter, Premier of NSW Chris Minns and Member for Barwon Roy Butler entered the Golf Club with no fanfare and immediately began to introduce themselves to the 60 Wilcannia, White Cliffs and rural residents present ... Following the Premiers visit, Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe hosted another, smaller gathering on Sunday the 27th October. Adopting the same approach as the Premier, the Minister spoke to local business owners, before answering questions from the floor.