Bureau of Meteorology

☁️ Some amazing clouds have been spotted around the country this week, with a wide variety of different cloud types, heights and sizes.

Here are a few of our favourites:

1 - A dramatic thunderstorm near Elwood. The technical name for this type of cloud is cumulonimbus. Cumulonimbus clouds form in the lowest layer of our atmosphere but extend through to the top layers, thanks to moist air rising, cooling and condensing. These clouds can produce rain, thunder and lightning.

2 - An incredible, extensive layer of altocumulus clouds over Kindred in Tasmania. When the conditions are just right, these ripples appear in the clouds, known as Mackerel sky. These clouds form between 2km and 6km above the ground, and are created by atmospheric waves that cause air to oscillate up and down. They can be an indicator of an approaching weather system, such as a cold front.

3 - Icy cloud over the snowy peaks of Kosciuszko. Clouds at this height are typically made of tiny ice crystals, rather than the usual liquid water. This gives the clouds a slightly different look, which you can only see up close.

4 - These icy clouds are technically known as cirrus uncinus, but more commonly they are called Mare's Tails due to the long filaments and streaks in the cloud formation. Cirrus uncinus are an indication of wind shear in the atmosphere, occurring when winds at different levels move at different speeds, and pull the cloud in different directions.

Have you captured a picture of any cool clouds lately? Share with us in the comments below 📸

For the latest forecasts and warnings, visit www.bom.gov.au or the BOM Weather app.

A complex low-pressure system over south-east Australia is producing a range of wintry weather conditions.

What makes a complex low different to a regular low?

A complex low has more than one centre of low pressure into which winds converge.

On the satellite image, you can see a broad mass of cloud extending from South Australia, across southern Victoria and the Bass Strait, to the east of Tasmania. Within that cloud, 3 low pressure centres have been identified. The dominant centre is located off the south-west coast of Victoria.

Typically, the centre is where the strongest winds and heaviest rain occur. Multiple low pressure centres means that the impacts are not evenly distributed.

Over the next 24-36 hours, this complex low will generate damaging winds over southern and eastern Victoria, and eastern New South Wales. Severe Weather Warnings are current in these areas.

At the same time, gusty winds and high tides are combining to produce abnormally high tides along the southern Victorian coastline. A Coastal Hazard Warning is current.

Widespread showers and alpine snow are also forecast, clearing later on Thursday and into Friday.

Check the latest forecasts and warnings at www.bom.gov.au or on the BOM Weather App.

Wild, windy and wet weather continues across southern Australia this week, as a big and powerful low pressure system moves eastwards.

On Tuesday, wintry conditions impacted parts of central and southern South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

Rain fell in many areas but was heaviest in the mountains. In the 24 hours to 8am AEST Wednesday, some of the highest rainfall totals recorded were:

• 78mm at Mt Buffalo, Vic
• 75mm at Goobarraganda, NSW
• 74mm at Crafers West, SA
• 62mm at Corin Dam, ACT
• 61mm at Mt Hotham, Vic

Winds have also been impacting the south once again, most significantly in alpine areas. The strongest wind gusts in the past 24 hours have been:

• 117km/hr at Thredbo, NSW
• 93km/hr at Cultana, SA
• 91km/hr at Hotham, Vic
• 91km/hr at Falls Creek, Vic

As well as the wind and rain, snow has fallen in the higher mountain peaks. Very high tides, combined with large waves is causing flooding along parts of the coastline.

This weather system is expected to continue for a few more days before clearing away from the country.

For the latest forecasts and warnings, visit our website www.bom.gov.au or the BOM Weather app.

Here's today's forecast for capital cities around Australia.

For the latest forecasts and warnings, visit www.bom.gov.au or the BOM Weather app.

Coastal Hazard Warnings for abnormally high tides are current across much of the South Australian coastline and the west coast of Victoria.

These abnormally high tides may lead to sea water flooding of low-lying coastal areas during high tides this afternoon.

Tomorrow conditions will ease across SA, with the focus of the abnormally high tides moving into all Victorian coastal waters, including Port Phillip and Western Port Bays.

Bayside suburbs of Melbourne may be impacted by the minor flooding of sea water across low lying areas during high tides on Wednesday and Thursday, which will occur in the west during the afternoon, and through central and eastern parts during the evenings.

Conditions are expected to ease across Victoria by Friday.

For the latest forecasts and warnings, go to www.bom.gov.au or the BOM Weather app.

While Australia is known for its spectacular beaches and hot summers, it also snows in some areas ❄️

Snow has fallen across north-eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales this week, with some alpine regions receiving between 2cm and 8cm of powder.

Here’s 5 reasons to love this cool phenomenon ➡️

It’s important to remember — snow isn’t just scenic. It can disrupt travel and increase road risks, so it's essential to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.

You can find forecasts for Australia's alpine regions on our website https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/specialised-forecasts-and-observations/alpine-regions