‘Monsoonal conditions are expected … for the remainder of this week’: Cyclone threat declines, but BOM forecasts rain to keep pouring in the Top End
CHANCES of a cyclone forming near the NT have decreased but the rain is here to stay, according to BOM, with a monsoon trough and squalls expected to continue to drench the Top End this weekend.
Northern Territory
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CHANCES of a cyclone forming near the NT have decreased but the rain is here to stay, with a monsoon trough and squalls continuing to drench the Top End this weekend.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Chris Kent said the likelihood of a cyclone forming over the northern region was low for the next three days, but a monsoon trough extending across the base of the Top End through to a tropical low in the north Kimberly region would sustain the wet weather.
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“Monsoonal squalls have been causing heavy rain in the Top End, particularly across coastal areas,” Mr Kent said.
“Monsoonal conditions are expected across the Top End for the remainder of this week and into the weekend, but as westerly winds start to ease next week, monsoonal conditions could also ease.
“Further south in Central Australia, there have been some isolated falls, particularly in the Tanami District.
“Tropical moisture has spread south into the southern NT, creating an environment that is favourable for thunderstorms.
“Weak troughs across Central Australia have been helping these thunderstorms develop.”
Mr Kent said the chances of a tropical cyclone forming away from the Top End in the Coral Sea and north of Western Australia were increasing.
In the last 24 hours to 9am yesterday, Mr Kent said Howard Springs recorded 80mm of rain, while 65mm was recorded at Tjorak Cemetary and Humpty Doo Collard, 64mm at Leanyer and Karama, and a huge 113mm at Diljin Hill in the Roper – McArthur district.
“Showers and thunderstorms are continuing across much of the Territory over the coming days,” Mr Kent said.
“While monsoonal conditions are likely to ease off next week and weaker winds will lead to less persistent rains, some areas could still have heavy falls.
“The moisture present across the region means that any storms that do form could lead to isolated heavy falls.”
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Mr Kent said spring tides posed a potential weather hazard this weekend, resulting in higher than usual tides.
“At this stage, water levels 10-30 centimetres above expected tides are being observed in some areas,” he said.
“Extra rainfall could affect tidal rivers, which can lead to an increased flood risk at high tide.”
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