The school holidays have just started, or are about to start, in each state and territory across Australia. But before you head off on a trip or go outside to play, here are some tips on how to have fun and stay safe in different types of weather.

Australia has a lot of different types of weather. On the same day, one part of the country might be having a sunny day, while another area is being affected by thunderstorms. It can even snow in southern Australia during summer, while temperatures sometimes reach close to 50 degrees in central and northern parts of the country.

Fortunately, you can always know what the weather will be like before you head outside by simply checking some of these pages online.

Daily weather forecasts let you know what the weather is expected to be like during the next week. The forecast will tell you how warm or cold it will be each day. how likely it is to rain, and how strong the wind will be.

In addition to the weather forecast, it's a good idea to check the UV Index each day. When the UV Index is 3 and above, you need to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide to protect your skin from the sun. You can find daily UV index forecasts alongside your regular weather forecasts on Weatherzone, or by downloading the SunSmart app.

Weather radars let you see where it's raining right now and which direction that rain is moving. It's a good idea to check the radar on a phone, tablet or computer before heading outside. Weatherzone's radar also has a lightning tracker to let you know if any thunderstorms are heading your way.

When the weather is going to be dangerous, warnings and alerts are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, which you can find online and through weather apps. It's a good idea to check the latest weather warnings each day before you go outside.

Checking the weather and the latest warnings will help you enjoy the school holidays safely, whether you are visiting the beach, a park, the pool, or even the snow.