Preparatory measures for coping during a summer storm

In Australia, summer is a season marked by an increase in thunderstorm activity. This is primarily due to the seasonal monsoon-driven climate in the northern regions and the general rise in temperature and humidity during this period.

Key factors contributing to the increased thunderstorm frequency include:

Monsoon Influence: The north of Australia experiences the wet season (roughly November to April), when monsoon winds bring warm, moist air from the ocean. This increased humidity aids in thunderstorm development.
Increased Humidity and Heat: Summer temperatures lead to more evaporation and higher humidity, making the atmosphere more unstable. This instability encourages the formation of thunderstorms as warm air rises and cools, condensing into storm clouds with lightning and rain.
Air Mass Interactions and Cold Fronts: In some parts of Australia, thunderstorms are formed by the interaction of warm, humid air with cold fronts, such as those related to the southerly buster phenomenon. The forced elevation of warm moist air over cooler air masses can trigger severe thunderstorms.
Geographical and Seasonal Patterns: The monsoonal weather pattern, characterized by wind reversals and bursts of rain-bearing winds, is strongest in summer. During other seasons, the dominance of drier, cooler air masses and lack of moisture reduce thunderstorm frequency.

Preparing for these storms is crucial. An emergency kit should be prepared, including water, non-perishable food, medications, insurance documents, ID, torches, a battery-powered radio, and a first aid kit. Home insurance coverage should be up to date. It's important to know how to drive safely in wet and stormy conditions, and never drive through flood waters.

Staying informed is also key. It's crucial to stay tuned to weather updates from reliable sources for storm preparation. Reputable sources for weather updates and current incidents or hazards include the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), ABC local radio, the SES, the Vic Emergency app or website.

The SES guide can help with planning and staying safe during a storm. If going away during storm season, ask a neighbor or family friend to check your property.

Plans should be in place for dealing with blackouts, especially for those without solar batteries with a blackout mode. Thunderstorm asthma, a health epidemic triggered by high grass pollen levels and certain types of thunderstorms, can occur during periods of intense storms.

It's essential to remember that severe thunderstorms are classified as intense, violent thunderstorms that produce heavy rainfall, wind gusts of 90km/h or more, hail of 2cm diameter or more, and tornadoes. Supercell thunderstorms, characterized by a large, continuous updraught, can allow the thunderstorm to grow in size and severity for many hours.

La Niña or negative Indian Ocean Dipole weather events can make the atmosphere more unstable, leading to wetter and stormier weather. On the other hand, an El Niño event is expected in the summer of 2023/24 in Australia, which could potentially lead to drier conditions.

RACV Home Insurance provides flexible cover for homeowners, renters, and landlords, offering peace of mind during the unpredictable summer storm season.

[1] Bureau of Meteorology. (n.d.). Severe thunderstorms. Retrieved from https://www.bom.gov.au/weather/warnings/severe-thunderstorm-warnings/

[2] Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy. (2017). Climate change in Australia: What the science tells us. Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/science/climate-change-australia

[3] Climate Council. (2019). Climate change in Australia: What the science tells us. Retrieved from https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/climate-change-in-australia-what-the-science-tells-us/

[4] Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology. (2020). Thunderstorm asthma. Retrieved from https://www.bom.gov.au/health/thunderstorm-asthma/

[5] Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy. (2017). Climate change: The science basics. Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/science/climate-change-basics

Understanding the connection between extreme weather and climate change is vital in environmental science, as the changing climate in Australia, such as the increased frequency of thunderstorms during summer, has significant implications for home-and-garden lifestyles.
To mitigate risks associated with severe thunderstorms, practising weather-forecasting skills and preparing emergency kits can help homeowners, ensuring a safer environment for their families during the storm season.
In addition to the immediate threats posed by severe thunderstorms, longer-term weather patterns like La Niña can contribute to more unstable atmitudes, potentially intensifying the weather-related challenges faced in home-and-garden maintenance.