Weather Update: Cyclone Zelia Approaches Western Australia Amid Cold Waves in Canada and Europe
A tropical cyclone alert has been issued for Western Australia, where cyclone Zelia is expected to form and impact the region with intense winds and rain. In Canada, polar air has caused severe cold temperatures, particularly in Western provinces. Meanwhile, Europe is bracing for a cold snap that is anticipated to drop temperatures significantly next week.
The Bureau of Meteorology in Australia has issued a tropical cyclone alert for the northern coast. This warning pertains to a tropical low, identified as 18U, situated near the Kimberley region. Beginning Sunday night, northern Australia will experience strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, accompanied by a flood warning. Forecasts predict that 18U will continue to move southwest along warm waters, likely strengthening into tropical cyclone Zelia, which is anticipated to make landfall in the Pilbara area by the week’s end, delivering 150-250mm of rain and wind gusts reaching 100 mph.
Simultaneously, Canada is grappling with an extreme cold wave as polar air has moved southward, resulting in temperatures plummeting 5C to 10C below seasonal norms. Western Canada, particularly cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon, may face daytime highs of -10C to -15C, with overnight lows dropping to -20C and -30C. Some places could even experience temperatures as low as -35C, significantly below their seasonal averages.
In Europe, a cold snap is forecasted, with temperatures gradually declining across northern regions this week, intensifying next week. Expected temperature drops range from 2C to 5C below normal for various areas, and between 5C and 10C below average in parts of Scandinavia. This significant drop is attributed to a high-pressure system developing over eastern Europe, which is ushering in colder polar air, although the severity and extent of this cold period remain uncertain.
In summary, the Bureau of Meteorology has alerted the public about the impending tropical cyclone Zelia, expected to impact Western Australia significantly. Concurrently, Canada is facing severe cold temperatures, while Europe anticipates a forthcoming cold snap. Understanding these weather patterns is crucial for preparedness and response to the changing conditions in these regions.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
