Australian government agency providing weather forecasts and meteorological services
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
El Niño has formed in the tropical Pacific and is expected to strengthen through 2026, potentially ranking among the strongest on record. Agencies warn it will raise global temperatures, shift rainfall, and intensify extreme weather. Impacts will vary by region, with some areas facing drought and others deluges.