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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Coast Current Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
When a weather warning is issued for your area, check the Bureau of Meteorology’s three-tier system first – it tells you how urgently you need to act. Warnings exist because Australian weather can shift rapidly, and knowing the difference between advice, watch and warning keeps you safe without overreacting.
What do the three warning tiers mean?
Australia’s system uses three levels. An advice means stay informed but no action is needed yet – this might cover a developing low or minor flooding. A watch means hazardous conditions are possible within 24 hours; begin preparations. A warning means the hazard is occurring or imminent – take shelter or act immediately. For example, a severe weather warning Victoria today might reach warning level, while tomorrow’s outlook often sits at watch.
Where can you find current warnings for your state?
All official warnings are published on the Bureau of Meteorology website, organised by state and territory. For a national overview, visit the Australia severe weather warnings page – this is the primary weather warning Australia resource. For storm-specific updates, the severe weather warning page covers damaging winds, heavy rain and hail. The Weather Radar helps you track systems as they develop. If you are in Queensland, check weather warnings QLD and QLD weather warnings today for localised alerts. If a super storm warning for QLD today is issued, the BOM site will have the latest details. For New South Wales, weather warnings NSW today are updated regularly.
What is the difference between a watch and a warning?
A watch means hazardous weather is possible within 24 hours – start preparing. A warning means the event is occurring or imminent – act now. Watches give you time; warnings demand immediate action.
How long are weather warnings valid for?
Most warnings cover a 24-hour window but are updated every 3 hours, or more often if the situation changes. Always check the latest issue time on the BOM website before making decisions.
Do I need to act on an advice-level warning?
An advice means no immediate action is required, but stay informed. Conditions may escalate, so monitor updates and check the Australia severe weather warnings page regularly.