Australia's Summer Deluge: Flood Warnings Issued Across Southern States
Late summer rainfall is wreaking havoc across Australia, with South Australia placed on high alert for potential flooding, Victoria grappling with cleanup efforts following torrential downpours, and Sydney authorities issuing urgent shark warnings due to deteriorating water conditions. A slow-moving pressure system originating from central Australia is moving eastward, bringing significant precipitation to multiple regions.
South Australia Braces for Flash Flooding
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has issued stern warnings to residents, urging them to prepare for heavy rainfall expected to reach 50-100mm across much of the state. Flash flooding is considered highly probable in Adelaide when the weather system arrives in the capital on Saturday.
"It is not unusual in South Australia or metropolitan Adelaide to see a 10-millimetre rain event," Malinauskas stated. "But when we start to see rain events north of 50, 60, 80mm, that starts to represent the sort of conditions where we will see flash flooding. If we see that volume of rain in a short period of time, then we should anticipate flash-flooding events throughout the state."
The Eyre Peninsula has already experienced severe rainfall since Friday morning, with Ceduna recording 71mm, Wudinna 68mm, and Minnipa receiving 98mm. Moomba in the state's north-east has accumulated close to 100mm this week alone, bringing its February total to 189mm - exceeding its annual average rainfall of 176mm.
Victoria's Rainfall Records Shattered
Parts of Victoria received more than double their average February rainfall overnight on Friday, with Horsham airport recording 96mm - approximately five times the regional city's February average of 19mm. Warracknabeal received 49mm, more than double its typical February rainfall, while areas around Mount Macedon and Gisborne experienced hailstorms.
Melbourne is expecting fine weather on Saturday, but showers could begin on Sunday before heavier falls arrive Sunday night and Monday, potentially exacerbating existing flood concerns.
Queensland and New South Wales Impacts
In Queensland, severe rainfall continues to affect inland areas. The outback town of Birdsville, with an annual average rainfall of 162mm, has received 178mm so far in 2026, with 128mm falling over just three days this week.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore explained that the rainfall battering South Australia is expected to persist through the weekend before moving into western New South Wales and western Victoria, with the system weakening mid-week. "South Australia has been so dry for so long, this would mostly be welcome," Narramore noted. "I think generally it's a good news story apart from the flash flooding."
Sydney's Shark Warning Issued
Meanwhile, sustained rainfall in Sydney over recent days has prompted official warnings about increased bull shark activity due to murky water conditions. The Minns government is urging beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers to exercise extreme caution in Sydney Harbour, other estuaries, and along the NSW coast.
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty emphasized: "If your local beach is closed due to the weather, shark sightings, or poor water quality, we ask beach goers, swimmers and surfers, to not enter the water for their own safety. If you're on the coastline, by the harbour or on waterways, it's important to understand how the environment can influence shark behaviour and to then take the necessary steps to reduce your risk of a shark interaction."
This warning follows four shark attacks in the state at the start of the year, including a tragic incident inside Sydney Harbour that claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy.
Climate Crisis Connection
The climate crisis is making Australia increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events and natural disasters, including intense rainfall patterns. In 2025, which was the third-hottest year on record globally, surface air temperatures averaged 1.48°C above preindustrial levels. Scientific research indicates that for each 1°C of heating, the atmosphere can hold approximately 7% more moisture, contributing to more severe precipitation events.
Narramore added that a monsoon trough over northern Australia is expected to strengthen throughout the weekend, "bringing widespread rain, falls and possible flooding." He further warned: "We could see a tropical low possibly develop across northern Australia next week as well."
As Australia navigates this challenging weather pattern, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and advise residents to stay informed through official channels and exercise appropriate precautions.
