Winter Cold Front Brings Record Rain to Adelaide, Moves East
A vigorous Southern Ocean cold front has delivered record July rainfall to Adelaide, prompting severe weather warnings across southern and eastern Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology reports Adelaide received 70 per cent of its median July rainfall in a single day, while emergency services respond to hundreds of calls as the system tracks east towards New South Wales and Victoria.
Record rainfall and emergency response in South Australia
Metropolitan Adelaide recorded 42mm of rain in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, with areas in the Mount Lofty Ranges such as Longwood and Scott Creek receiving more than 60mm. Senior forecaster Tom Anderson confirmed the city had already reached 70 per cent of its median rainfall for July in a single day.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the deluge set several milestones for the city. It was Adelaide's rainiest day since January 26, 2024, the wettest start to July since 1986, and the fifth-wettest July day on record. Year-to-date rainfall in Adelaide has now reached 340mm, exceeding the typical 313mm average usually seen by early July.
The severe conditions required a significant response from the State Emergency Service. SES state duty officer Kane Murray said the service responded to more than 350 calls for assistance over two days, primarily for fallen trees and minor property flooding, including an incident where a tree crashed onto a home at Mount Barker.
A severe weather warning for damaging winds remains in place for the state's southern coastline, alongside a gale marine wind warning. A flood alert is also active for Glenelg, as the Patawalonga River swells in Adelaide's west. The SES warned that rising lake levels combined with high tide could trigger localised flooding, with the risk period extending until 9pm.
How is the winter weather system affecting eastern Australia?
The Antarctic cold front is sweeping east, bringing a complex mix of hazardous conditions to the densely populated eastern seaboard. Regional impacts include:
- New South Wales: Expected to bear the brunt of the system, facing widespread showers, isolated thunderstorms, and damaging winds across inland and coastal districts. Snowfall in the Snowy Mountains will create hazardous driving conditions.
- Victoria: Frequent showers, gale-force coastal winds, and accumulating alpine snow are creating dangerous conditions for travellers and marine operators.
- Tasmania: Strong westerlies and lowering snow levels are moving through Bass Strait, delivering another burst of wintry weather.
- Queensland and ACT: Southern and south-east Queensland will see increasing showers later in the week. Canberra is bracing for bitter cold, with frost and icy conditions likely once skies clear.
Conversely, the Northern Territory remains in its typical dry season conditions, while Western Australia is experiencing a stabilising high-pressure ridge that brings a rare spell of calm weather.
What does the long-range climate outlook indicate?
The current system is driven by a vigorous low-pressure system dragging Antarctic air across the continent. It is expected to weaken as it moves over the Tasman Sea, allowing high pressure to settle conditions in the west.
Despite the current severe weather, forecasters expect much of southern and eastern Australia to trend drier than average through the remainder of winter. The Bureau of Meteorology's long-range outlook points to warmer-than-average temperatures, with a developing El Niño increasing the likelihood of below-average rainfall in the coming months. This shift underscores the climate variability facing the Indo-Pacific region, where acute weather events can still punctuate broader drying trends.
How much rain fell in Adelaide during this weather event?
Metropolitan Adelaide recorded 42mm of rain in 24 hours, while areas in the Mount Lofty Ranges received over 60mm. This represented 70 per cent of Adelaide's median July rainfall in a single day.
Will the rest of winter be wetter than average?
No. The Bureau of Meteorology expects southern and eastern Australia to trend drier than average for the rest of winter. A developing El Niño pattern increases the likelihood of below-average rainfall and warmer-than-average temperatures in the coming months.