Bureau of Meteorology forecasts more severe cyclones this season
Stronger cyclones, increased storm surges, and an early fire season are all headed for Australia in the coming months, with Aussies warned to get ready now.
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Cyclones are likely to be stronger this season because of warmer ocean temperatures, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned.
The long-range forecast from now to December projects higher than average rainfalls for most of the western half of the country, Far North Queensland and the area around the South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales border.
While the rest of the country is forecast to receive an average amount of rain in the coming two months, summer is expected to be hotter than usual.
Warmer than average days and nights are a 60 to 80 per cent likelihood, the bureau forecasts.
There is an “elevated chance” of “unusually” hot days and nights across most of the country.
“Fire authorities are advising an increased fire risk in the spring months for parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory, western Victoria and southeast South Australia,” bureau national community information manager Andrea Peace said.
Parts of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania are likely to be in “fire season” earlier as well.
The hot conditions amplify the danger posed by cyclones. The historical average of eight cyclones in our region and four making landfall is forecast, but the severity is likely to be worse.
“Tropical cyclone activity varies from year to year but an average of four tropical cyclones cross Australia’s coast each year,” Ms Pearce said.
Cyclones bring storm surges which batter coastlines.
“Based on historical patterns alone, a near average number of tropical cyclones in the Australian region could be expected this season, with a higher proportion likely to be more severe.”
“Last year we had eight tropical cyclones across northern Australia waters. Four crossed our coast bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall leading to flooding.”
Originally published as Bureau of Meteorology forecasts more severe cyclones this season
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