Tropical low expected to strengthen over water as it moves slowly southward

A TROPICAL low located over the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria is not expected to form into a cyclone

• BOM forecasts low chance of a cyclone forming over the Top End this weekend
• Coastal communities brace for first cyclone of the season

A TROPICAL low located over the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria, about 90 km east southeast of Groote Eylandt is not expected to form into a cyclone.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the tropical low was expected to strengthen over water as it moves slowly southward and is likely to cross the coast between Port Roper and the Queensland border early Sunday.

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The Bureau said the low is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone, but strong winds and heavy rainfall will occur.

During Sunday and Monday, the tropical low is expected to move west southwest across the Northern Territory, bringing further heavy rainfall, flooding and possible damaging wind gusts.

The forecast for Darwin City and Outer Darwin area for Sunday is partly cloudy with a medium chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon.

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There is the chance of a thunderstorm.

And if you thought it has been unusually cool lately Darwin reached a top of 26°C on Friday – our coldest February day in 10 years.

In February 2011 when Cyclone Carlos struck the Top End, a daily maximum of 24.8°C was recorded in Darwin.