Bad weather in Australia: heavy rain and flooding in Queensland

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According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the city of Townsville, Australia, recorded 2.35 metres of rainfall in 2025, approaching the annual record of 2.4 metres set in 2000. This has been exacerbated by recent rainfall, which has caused significant damage, loss of livestock and severe disruption to roads. Forecasts indicate that the bad weather will persist in the coming days, with a further risk of worsening. In the nearby hinterland of Queensland, the town of Winton has already exceeded the annual average rainfall with 510 mm recorded. Flooding has isolated numerous communities, causing the closure of more than 300 roads. Despite the reopening of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument remains inaccessible.

Queensland's Emergency Management Minister Ann Leahy said state and federal aid will be provided to organisations and residents in the nine local government areas affected by the floods, including Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton. In addition, the Queensland government has made financial aid available, with emergency loans of up to $250,000 for businesses and direct assistance to residents. Meanwhile, the insurance industry is applying for federal funding to improve flood mapping, pointing out that floods pose a costly natural threat to Australia. More accurate and timely mapping could reduce insurance costs and prevent major damage, increasing the country's resilience in the face of extreme weather events.

Surf Life Saving NSW has warned that weather conditions in Australia will continue to worsen, with warnings on the NSW coast. Hundreds of beaches are set to close due to a low pressure system that will bring large waves and storm surges. While Queensland is waterlogged, Perth has recorded six consecutive days with temperatures above 35°C, and Adelaide is experiencing its driest period since 1963-64, with only 14mm of rain in 2025, well below the average of 64mm. To cope with the water crisis, Adelaide's desalination plant is operating at full capacity to ensure water supply.

The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that 1 March 2025 was the hottest day ever recorded in Australia in March, with a national average temperature of 38.7°C. Since 1910, the country has warmed by 1.5°C, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Climate change is now a tangible reality that is already affecting people's daily lives. Devastating floods, heat waves and increasing climate instability are endangering infrastructure, agriculture and biodiversity. Experts point out that without targeted interventions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance adaptation strategies, these extreme events will become increasingly frequent and destructive, affecting the economy and security of Australian communities.

This article has been realised within the project "Biodiversity services EU expansion" (CUP: E43D22000480009) in the framework of the Lombardy Region's call for tenders "PR FESR 2021-2027 - LINEA INTERNAZIONALIZZAZIONE 21-27", aimed at supporting the internationalisation of Italian companies. 3Bee is the naturetech company that develops innovative technologies for monitoring, protecting and regenerating biodiversity, supporting companies in defining customised climate strategies based on the analysis of their impacts and dependencies on nature. With an established portfolio in Italy, Germany and France and prominent partnerships, 3Bee continues its expansion into international markets to create real impact through technology.