Grim Weather Warning for Millions of Australians: Severe Rain and Cold Snap Across the Southeast
As of September 10, 2025, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued urgent severe weather warnings affecting millions of Australians, particularly in the southeastern states. A combination of heavy rainfall, damaging winds, cold temperatures, and potential flooding is forecast to impact New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, South Australia (SA), and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This “grim” alert, described in media reports as a risk for “destruction” and livestock losses, stems from a low-pressure system drawing in moist air from the Tasman Sea, leading to widespread showers and storms. The warnings were escalated on September 9, with immediate actions urged for residents in affected areas.
Key Details of the Warnings
The BOM’s national warnings summary highlights multiple severe alerts, focusing on heavy rain and cold conditions. Here’s a breakdown:
- Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall (NSW Focus):
- Affected Areas: Parts of the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, and extending to Central Tablelands, South West Slopes, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, and ACT forecast districts. This impacts urban centers like Wollongong, Canberra, and rural regions south of Sydney, potentially affecting over 5 million people in NSW and ACT alone.
- Forecast Impacts:
- 50–150mm of rain possible in 24 hours, with some isolated areas exceeding 200mm, raising risks of flash flooding and riverine flooding.
- Damaging winds up to 100km/h, especially in coastal and elevated areas.
- Hail and thunderstorms possible in the Illawarra and South Coast.
- Timing: Warnings issued at 3:53 pm AEST on September 9, with the heaviest rain expected from late September 9 through September 10 (today). Conditions may ease by September 11 but could linger in mountainous regions.
- Risks: Flash flooding in low-lying areas, road closures, and disruptions to transport. The BOM advises avoiding travel unless essential and preparing for power outages.
- Sheep Graziers Warning (Multi-State):
- Affected Areas: Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, and ACT. This covers agricultural heartlands in NSW, Victoria, and ACT, threatening livestock across vast farmlands.
- Forecast Impacts: Cold temperatures dropping to 0–5°C overnight, combined with rain, showers, and southeasterly winds up to 60km/h. Exposed lambs and sheep face hypothermia and mortality risks.
- Timing: Issued at 10:55 am AEST on September 9, valid for September 10 (today). Next update expected by 5:00 pm AEST.
- Advice: Farmers urged to move livestock to shelter, check fences, and monitor vulnerable animals closely.
- Related Warnings in Other States:
- Victoria: A severe weather warning remains active for parts of the state, including potential blizzards in alpine areas and winds up to 130km/h in the southeast. This follows earlier alerts from August 29 but has been renewed due to ongoing polar air influence. Melbourne and surrounding suburbs could see 20–50mm of rain.
- South Australia: Recent severe thunderstorm warnings (issued September 6) for Adelaide and regional areas have transitioned into broader damaging wind alerts, with gusts up to 100km/h and large hail possible. Thousands were left without power after late August storms, and residual risks persist.
- Broader Context: While eastern Australia faces wetter-than-average conditions this spring (per BOM’s September 3 outlook), the southeast is under the most immediate threat. No active cyclone warnings, but earlier March 2025 events from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are still fresh in recovery efforts for Queensland and northern NSW.
Why This Is “Grim” for Millions
Media outlets like 9News and Weatherzone have labeled this a “polar blast” with “destruction” potential, affecting daily life for residents in major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide) and rural communities. The combination of cold snaps and heavy rain could lead to:
- Flooding and Infrastructure Damage: Renewed flooding risks in areas still recovering from earlier 2025 events, with up to 300mm possible in isolated spots.
- Travel and Safety Disruptions: Flights delayed at Sydney and Melbourne airports; highways like the Princes Highway in NSW at risk of closure.
- Economic Impacts: Agricultural losses from the sheep graziers warning could hit farmers hard, especially after a warmer-than-average July 2025. Spring bushfire risks are elevated in parts of WA, SA, and Victoria despite the rain.
- Health and Emergency Concerns: Hypothermia risks for outdoor workers and the elderly; SES teams on high alert, with hundreds of calls already handled in SA from recent storms.
The BOM emphasizes that while not as extreme as summer cyclones, these spring systems can be deceptive and deadly due to slippery roads and sudden downpours. Overall spring 2025 is forecast to be warmer and wetter than average for eastern Australia, with above-median rainfall from September to December.
What to Do: Preparation and Safety Tips
- Stay Informed: Monitor BOM’s website (bom.gov.au) or app for real-time updates. Download the myBOM app for alerts.
- Emergency Prep: Secure outdoor items, avoid flooded roads, and have an emergency kit (water, food, flashlight). In NSW and ACT, contact SES at 132 500 for help.
- Livestock and Travel: Farmers should shelter animals; drivers check live traffic cams via Transport for NSW or VicRoads.
- If in Danger: Move to higher ground if flooding occurs; report hazards to authorities.
This event is part of a broader pattern of variable spring weather, influenced by warm sea surface temperatures (+0.56°C above average in July 2025). For the latest, check official sources as conditions can change rapidly.