From storm chaser to strategy shaper: helping customers stay ahead of the weather

After more than a decade with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), Mr Bufalino's transition into the corporate world wasn’t just a career shift - it was an opportunity to shape how one of Australia’s leading insurers prepares for, responds to, and communicates during extreme weather events. 

“I’ve always loved weather. I live and breathe it. This role lets me turn that passion into something that genuinely helps people. Not just during events, but before they even unfold.” 

The making of a meteorologist 

Mr Bufalino’s fascination with the weather began with a bang, quite literally. 

“I was a kid in southeast Queensland when the 1998 hailstorm hit,” he recalled. “We had giant hail, trees coming down, debris flying. For some reason, it just stuck with me. From that moment, I wanted to be a weatherman.” 

That early obsession became a career. He studied climatology at university, then joined the BoM as a meteorologist. Over 14 years, he built deep expertise; forecasting and warning for severe thunderstorms, fire and tropical cyclones, and even storm-chasing across the Great Plains of the US and the hurricane belt of Bermuda. 

From public forecasting to customer protection 

After years in government, Mr Bufalino wanted a new challenge, one where he could apply his skills in a fast-paced, operational environment with real-world impact.  

That opportunity came with Suncorp. 

“Insurers are in a unique position,” he explained. “We don’t just react to climate risk; we can help shape how people prepare for it. That’s what drew me in.” 

His role as Disaster Management Meteorologist is part of a wider shift at Suncorp - one that recognises a change in the severity of extreme weather and the need for more swifter and proactive responses. 

“I provide insights into upcoming and unfolding events, monitor forecasts and observations in real time, and help decision-makers across the business understand what’s coming. It’s about enabling action; earlier, faster and with more precision,” he said.  

A baptism by cyclone 

Mr Bufalino had barely settled into his new role when Tropical Cyclone Alfred was approaching southern Queensland in early 2025. Not only was it one of his first events at Suncorp, but it was also unfolding in his own backyard. 

“It was intense. I was briefing senior leaders daily, providing updates, and trying to get a couple of hours’ sleep here and there in between checking the radar,” he said. “I love this work, but the adrenaline can burn you out if you’re not careful. I had to learn to pace myself, to take short resets and come back sharp.” 

Despite the pressure, Alfred played out largely as Mr Bufalino had predicted; a rare feat in a region known for its changeability. 

“The Coral Sea is one of the most erratic tropical cyclone basins in the world. You’re juggling four or five steering mechanisms instead of one. It’s not like forecasting in the US, for example. There’s always uncertainty and part of my job is helping people understand that uncertainty without losing trust in the science.”

Translating science into strategy 

Mr Bufalino’s work supports more than just weather-readiness; it helps inform how Suncorp communicates with customers, deploys resources, and even advocates for stronger disaster mitigation measures. 

“We analyse everything from radar imagery and satellite data to post-event damage footprints. That allows councils and emergency services to better target their support and it helps our teams deliver faster, more accurate responses to customers.” 

The role also gives him a seat at the table during longer-term planning and in shaping how the business thinks about climate resilience and risk. 

“With warming oceans, we’re not necessarily seeing more cyclones - but we are seeing stronger ones, and they’re forming further south than they used to. That has implications for how we build, where we build, and how we protect people and assets in the future.” 

Predicting the unpredictable 

One of Mr Bufalino’s proudest moments came during the 2024 Townsville wet weather event. With media and government officials worried about a repeat of the devastating 2019 floods, Mr Bufalino was able to calm fears, accurately predicting the heaviest rainfall would fall north of the dam system and avoiding major urban inundation. 

“Those subtleties matter. A few kilometres can mean the difference between 100mm and 1000mm of rain. And when you get it right—when your forecast helps reduce panic and avoid unnecessary disruption—it’s incredibly rewarding.” 

A new era for climate preparedness 

Mr Bufalino believes Suncorp is at the forefront of a broader movement; one where scientific expertise isn’t just confined to universities or public agencies but embedded directly into the businesses that need it most. 

“There aren’t many corporations in Australia with an in-house meteorologist. We’re setting a new standard for what climate responsiveness looks like.” 

And while his day-to-day work is grounded in data, the bigger picture is deeply human. 

“At the end of the day, it’s about giving people time to prepare. Helping them protect what matters. If I can provide that extra 24 or 48 hours of warning, then that’s a good day,” he said. 

Even on his days off, he admits he still checks the radar out of force of habit and genuine curiosity. “I guess I’m just wired for weather!”