Cyclone could form in Gulf of Carpentaria this week

A CYCLONE could form in the Gulf of Carpentaria this week, the weather bureau has warned.

A CYCLONE could form in the Gulf of Carpentaria this week but will likely impact the Northern Territory, the weather bureau has warned.

A strengthening monsoonal trough in the Gulf will cause further heavy rain and showers to the tropics and will increase the chance for cyclone potential.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Julian de Morton said there was more of a chance for a cyclone to develop in the Gulf than in the Coral Sea this weekend.

“We’ve got a monsoon trough that should develop and strengthen throughout the next week or so and as a result, it certainly increases the potential for a cyclone,” he said.

“In the foreseeable future, in the next week, it’s looking more likely we’ll see something develop in the Gulf than in the Coral Sea. It’s looking as though ... a possible development towards the weekend.”

The southeast experienced light showers today with the heaviest falls recorded around the Sunshine Coast.

A south-easterly wind up to 30 knots has prompted a strong wind warning for the entire east coast of Queensland.

Coastal areas from Cairns down to the Gold Coast have been warned of strong winds on Wednesday and partly cloudy conditions.

Brisbane is forecast to reach a top of 27C and a possible shower during the day.