Record Rainfall Causes Flooding at Uluru, Warnings Issued to Tourists
Central Australia, including the iconic Uluru, is experiencing unusually heavy rainfall, leading to flooding and prompting warnings for tourists. The recent downpour, exceeding three times the monthly average for this time of year, marks the heaviest rainfall in the region in a decade.
Unprecedented Rainfall in Central Australia
Over the past two days, more than 100 millimeters of rain has fallen at Uluru, fueled by a plume of tropical moisture . Yulara Airport, near Uluru, recorded 76.4 millimeters of rain in the 24 hours to 9 am on March 16, 2026, with an additional 34.4 millimeters falling within just three hours .
Impact on Tourism and Access
While hiking trails around Uluru remain open, some roads in the vicinity have been closed due to waterlogging. Uluru National Park authorities are advising visitors to exercise caution, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of potentially slippery surfaces . Videos circulating online show waterfalls cascading down the face of Uluru, a rare sight in the typically arid landscape.
Weather System and Broader Implications
The heavy rainfall is attributed to a slow-moving low-pressure trough drawing moisture across central Australia . Weatherzone reports that the slow movement of this trough, combined with significant atmospheric moisture, is responsible for the substantial rainfall . The wet weather is expected to spread to other states across Australia this week, with flood warnings already in place for Queensland and the Northern Territory, and a severe weather warning for northern South Australia.
Uluru: A Sacred Landmark
Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, holds immense cultural significance for the Indigenous people of Australia and is a major tourist destination. It was returned to the Indigenous people in 1985.
Uluru Weather Forecast
As of March 17, 2026, the weather forecast for Uluru indicates mostly sunny conditions with a high of 26°C. Wednesday is expected to be cloudy with a slight chance of showers and southeast winds of 15 to 25 km/h .