Tom Saunders
Tom Saunders is a Meteorologist with the ABC in NSW. He presents the weather in the 7PM TV news bulletin and contributes to online, radio and the News Channel. Tom began his career as an operational forecaster after studying atmospheric science at Macquarie University before taking a broadcast meteorology role with The Weather Channel. Tom has forecast and reported on weather events across Australia and globally for two decades while also providing commentary on interannual variability and climate change.
Latest by Tom Saunders
‘150mm not out of the question’: Huge rainfall tipped for NSW this weekend
The sustained rain event across the state is expected to not only continue but to become more intense, with floods and a 14-day rain streak touted as possibilities.
How a split in the jet stream could bring a 10-day soaking to NSW
Thanks to a stalled high-pressure system, known as a "blocking high", rain — and potentially flooding — could be on the cards for New South Wales.
East coast to soak over the weekend amid possible cyclone, frosty south — and endless WA heat
Australia's weather will serve up a smorgasbord of variability this weekend, with an expected drenching for the east, wintry nights in the southern states and ongoing heat in the west.
Man's body found near reserve in Sydney's west after massive rainfall pummels the state
The body of the man, who has not been identified, was found by a member of the public at a reserve in Penrith as police say they aren't able to confirm if the death is flood-related.
Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in four years as severe weather event hits NSW
The expected deluge overnight in parts of Sydney and the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Hunter, could see severe flash flooding and rapid river rises.
Major rain event engulfing most of eastern Australia for next 48 hours as BOM issues flood warning
Sydney is on flood watch alongside at least 30 rivers across NSW and Queensland as torrential rain is expected to pummel eastern Australia over the next 48 hours.
A band of rain and storms is sweeping across south-eastern states ahead of a more significant weather event
A cold front moving through Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania is expected to be followed by heavy rain, storms and potentially the first east coast low for 2024.
Ideal Easter weather across southern Australia before outback soaking moves south
Southern Australia can expect ideal weather over the Easter break until at least Monday, when rain that has been pummelling parts of the NT moves south.
Record outback rains could move south this Easter
The southern states could be in for a wet Easter weekend as record-breaking rains inundating central Australia are expected to move south.
La Niña odds now sit at 80 per cent. How will it affect our weather?
The forecast is above La Niña's average occurrence of once every four years, and if eventuated would represent the fourth La Niña in five years.
Sydney's waters now warm enough for a tropical cyclone
After a hot and humid summer, NSW is now enduring an extended spell of warm autumn weather moving into its second week.
Near-record autumn heat bakes south-east while cyclone threat returns to Australia's north
The calendar rolls into autumn but Australia's weather still firmly resembles mid-summer, including the most intense autumn heatwave in decades across South Australia and Victoria.
Return to La Niña in 2024 a strong possibility, latest modelling shows
Scorching end to summer expected for south-east as heavy rain falls on east and west coasts.
Wild weather continues this week with heatwaves and a possible cyclone
Australia's wild weather this week reflects a summer filled with heatwaves, thunderstorms and heavy rain, and it's set to continue.
Here is why not every wind from the ocean is a sea breeze
More than 85 per cent of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the ocean, but the variation in weather across any slice of this narrow coastal band is substantial.
Run of unprecedented temperatures continues after warmest January on record
Global temperatures through January have been the hottest on record, extending the run of unprecedented temperatures to eight months. For Australia, it's the third hottest January on record.
Sydney’s Warragamba Dam edges closer to capacity as ex-cyclone Kirrily brings heaviest rain in decades
The trajectory of ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily will ensure the southern portion of Warragamba's catchment receives sufficient rain to push the dam level closer to 100 per cent.
Parts of South Australia, Victoria, NSW to experience hottest weather in up to three years
A burst of hot northerly winds will bring the highest temperatures in years to parts of south-east Australia, while ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily carves a trail of torrential rain and flooding.
Australia could be in for another wet year with La Niña likely
Australia's most dominant climate driver, La Niña, has a strong chance of reappearing in 2024, shifting the odds to favour a wet year.
Cyclone Kirrily is not your usual cyclone. This is why it's different
Tropical Cyclone Kirrily's irregular shape will alter hazards to the north and south as it nears the north Queensland coastline.
Heatwave to peak in NSW, with far west expected to cop the hottest temperatures
The current heatwave is set to see the warmest temperature recorded in NSW since 2020, before a southerly buster brings relief.
Forthcoming heatwave to engulf central and eastern Australia
A severe heatwave coming from the west will bring the hottest weather in four years to parts of New South Wales this week.
Summer soaking forecast as parts of Australia brace for storms and potential flash flooding
Large parts of Australia are under a severe storm risk on Wednesday with likely severe storms in southern NSW and north-east Victoria.
Parts of Australia could see further flooding in coming days as polar vortex strengthens
The ongoing rains are making a mockery of spring headlines warning of dangerous bushfires and water shortages, setting a platform for Australia to record a wetter than normal summer.
When can eastern Australia expect relief from its higher-than-normal humidity levels?
Humidity has been at unbearable levels, with simmering waters and moist winds contributing to the warmth across eastern Australia.