Home › Weather › Weather Alert
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Coast Pulse Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
A weather alert is an official Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warning for hazardous conditions such as severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, heavy rain, or heatwaves. These alerts are crucial for travellers, particularly in spring and summer when severe weather peaks, and may cover specific regions like weather alerts Sydney or severe weather warning Victoria today.
What types of weather alerts are issued?
The BOM issues several tiers of alerts based on severity and expected impact. The most common are Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (for large hail, destructive winds, or flash flooding) and Severe Weather Warnings (for broad-scale dangerous weather like east coast lows or persistent heavy rain). For travellers, understanding whether a threat is immediate (today) or developing (tomorrow) is key – for instance, a severe weather warning Victoria tomorrow may give you time to alter plans, while a super storm warning for QLD today demands immediate action.
How should travellers respond to a weather alert?
First, check the latest radar and warnings – our Weather Radar page links to real-time BOM images. Delay non-essential coastal drives, beach walks, or mountain hikes if a super storm warning for QLD today or a storm warning Melbourne today is active. For severe weather warning Victoria today map, zoom in on BOM’s site to see the affected zone. Always carry a fully charged phone and an emergency kit (water, torch, first aid) in your vehicle, especially during school holidays or winter escapes when weather can change quickly.
What’s the difference between a severe thunderstorm warning and a severe weather warning?
A severe thunderstorm warning covers a single storm cell affecting a small area for a few hours. A severe weather warning is broader, covering multiple towns over 12–48 hours, often associated with a low-pressure system or tropical cyclone.
How do I get weather alerts for my location?
Subscribe to BOM’s free SMS or email alerts for your postcode. Alternatively, use our Australia weather hub for links to state-based warnings, including weather warnings NSW today and severe weather warning Victoria today.
Can a weather alert change rapidly?
Yes. Severe storms can upgrade from a warning to a “dangerous” classification within minutes. Always check the Weather Warning page before setting out, and re-evaluate if you’re in a coastal or bushfire-prone area.