Bureau of Meteorology predicts Territorians may have to wait even longer for the 2025 monsoon

As Territorians sweat it out for yet another week, the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the wait for the monsoon could be even longer than previously reported. Read why.

Storm passes over East Arm. Picture: Supplied

Territorians will most likely have to sweat it out for at least another week before the monsoon arrives, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, however signs of it arriving have slightly increased.

This masthead reported on January 1 the monsoon was at least a week away – but now the Bureau predicts the wait could be even longer.

While the Darwin region can expect an increase in shower and storm activity next week, the Bureau said it was not a sign the monsoon would arrive.

Storm rolling toward Darwin from Stokes Hill Wharf. Picture: Supplied

“At the moment it’s not, so we are keeping a close eye on things,” the spokeswoman said.

“There’s some signs of improving chances of the monsoon later in the week, but it’s still a bit early to call it.”

“We are saying that it does look like we’ll have an increase in shower and storm activity, particularly up at the western parts of the top end towards the latter half of the week.”

She said on average, the monsoon commenced at the end of December, with the 2023-24 monsoon beginning just over a week late on January 10.

The Bureau said “certain areas” of the Territory were experiencing heatwaves including Alice Springs and surrounding areas, which can expect maximum temperatures of more than 40C next week.

Storm clouds rolling in over Charles Darwin National Park. Picture: Supplied

“Daytime temperatures in Darwin are about a degree above average for January, but our overnight temperature is a bit closer to average,” the spokeswoman said.

“So while we’re not in heatwave territory at the moment in Darwin, it’s still hotter than average.”

This masthead reported in December temperatures in Darwin were 1C ahead of the average, with the mercury averaging 33.7C for the month compared to the 32.7C long-term December mean.

The Bureau said Territorians could expect temperatures to cool down towards the end of the week.

“At the moment we’re still experiencing build-up conditions, where we’re seeing those isolated showers and storms,” the spokeswoman said.

“Once we do get that monsoon that’ll bring the temperature down, as well as the rain pool where you get that cloud cover.

“As we get towards later in the week we should be seeing those temperatures coming down a bit with increased shower activity.”

Originally published as Bureau of Meteorology predicts Territorians may have to wait even longer for the 2025 monsoon