Australia Experiences Extreme Weather: A Summer of Heat and Floods

The summer of 2025-26 in Australia was marked by significant weather extremes, oscillating between intense heat and unprecedented rainfall. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), this season was the wettest in nearly a decade, with rainfall 32% above average nationwide, making it the rainiest summer since 2016-17. Concurrently, it was recorded as the eighth-hottest summer, with temperatures 1.1°C above the 1961-1990 average. South Australia experienced particularly acute weather swings, recording maximum temperatures of 50°C at Andamooka and Port Augusta.

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In late February, remnants of a tropical low brought record-breaking rainfall to parts of South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Some areas received more rain in a week than they had in the entire previous year, with Mildura recording nearly 150mm compared to 159mm throughout 2025. The deluge led to severe weather warnings, with the BoM forecasting isolated falls of up to 100mm. This extreme weather event, described as "weather whiplash," followed a period of intense heat, raising concerns for agricultural sectors, particularly grape growers in the Murray Valley, who faced potential crop losses due to excess moisture.

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South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas urged residents to prepare for flash flooding as heavy rainfall was forecasted. Meteorologist Dean Narramore noted the rainfall was both impressive and record-breaking, but also highlighted the potential for flooding and damage to crops. The BoM indicated that while some areas welcomed the rain after prolonged dry spells, the intensity and timing posed challenges for agricultural producers.

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Despite the benefits of rainfall for drought-stricken regions, critics pointed out the adverse effects on agriculture. Paul Derrico, chief executive of Murray Valley Winegrowers, expressed concern that excessive rain could lead to crop damage, stating, “This is just another hammer blow for the industry.” The dual nature of the weather—beneficial in some contexts but damaging in others—has sparked debate about the implications of such extreme weather patterns.

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While the BoM reported significant rainfall across many regions, some areas continued to experience rainfall deficiencies. For instance, Tasmania recorded 17% less rainfall than average, highlighting discrepancies in weather impacts across the country.

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Looking ahead, the BoM anticipates above-average rainfall for northern Australia during autumn, while drier conditions may persist in the south. The ongoing climate crisis is expected to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and heavy rainfall, as Australia continues to grapple with the implications of climate change.

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• “The switching between dry and wet conditions was quite remarkable,” — Qian Zhou, Climatologist, Bureau of Meteorology

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• “This is just another hammer blow for the industry,” — Paul Derrico, Chief Executive, Murray Valley Winegrowers

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• “If we see that volume of rain in a short period of time, then we should anticipate flash-flooding events throughout the state.” — Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia

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• “It has been a very impressive and in some areas record-breaking rainfall event,” — Dean Narramore, Senior Meteorologist, Bureau of Meteorology

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The extreme weather experienced during the summer of 2025-26 serves as a stark reminder of the growing unpredictability of Australia's climate, with significant implications for both the environment and agriculture.

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