extreme weather

person looking at a sunset

As Australia heads into summer with an El Niño, it’s important to understand and prepare for the health risks associated with extreme weather.

Storm clouds over the Sydney skyline

Understanding how hailstorm frequency has changed over time can help us build resilience against future hail events.

Photo of dried up river in New South Wales

A UNSW Sydney scientist explains exactly how an El Niño event manifests and why it can be difficult to predict.  

A sun on the horizon with electricity pylon and cables in the foreground

The likely El Niño is bad timing for the electricity sector, and means Australians may face supply disruptions and volatile prices.

cyclone seen from space

The record-breaking Cyclone Freddy was a wake-up call to prepare for the storms of the future.

Very ominous and dark rain clouds move in over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on an otherwise sunny day

The growing threat of flash flooding as a result of more intense rapid rain bursts means the city needs to update its flood defences.

flooding of town

Australia needs more investment in hydrological modelling and new infrastructure to reduce the impact of major flood events, UNSW expert says.

Avalon rock pool in Sydney in stormy weather

With La Niña prolonging the wet season, there is an increased risk of flooding along the north, east and southeast regions.

Fire fighters hose fire

Academic research can shed light on crucial questions about what life on Earth will be like under the most plausible emissions scenarios. And a warning: the answers are confronting.

Cows standing in water

As the planet continues to warm, extreme weather events such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent, intense and longer, according to global weather data.

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