Increased Cyclone Activity Observed in Southern Hemisphere: February 2025
In February 2025, both the South Pacific and Indian Oceans witnessed multiple active tropical cyclones. Significant storms included Alfred and Seru in the South Pacific, and Garance and Honde in the Indian Ocean, with projected impacts on coastal regions such as southern Queensland and Mauritius. Meteorological conditions suggested an increased likelihood of severe storms due to warm sea temperatures.
In late February 2025, two distinct oceans experienced a rare convergence of tropical cyclones. The South Pacific was home to three active storms, while simultaneously, three cyclones were observed in the Indian Ocean. On February 26, a false-color image captured these phenomena, showcasing five tropical cyclones through their infrared signals, which allowed for the differentiation of cooler cloud structures from the warmer ocean surface.
Among the storms depicted, Tropical Cyclone Rae was weakening after impacting Fiji. Cyclones Alfred and Seru were also present in the South Pacific, with Seru briefly reaching Category 1 strength. Cyclone Alfred, expected to enhance coastal hazards in southern Queensland, was at Category 2 strength but forecast to escalate to Category 4 by February 27.
Off Western Australia, Tropical Cyclone Bianca had weakened to a tropical storm after reaching Category 3 intensity the previous day. This storm stayed sufficiently distant from the coast to minimize impacts on the mainland and nearby islands. Bianca’s counterparts in the Indian Ocean, Honde and Garance, however, posed significant threats to land, prompting Mauritius to close its airport as Garance approached.
Meteorologists highlighted that the presence of warm sea surface temperatures and a lack of wind shear contributed to this outbreak of storms. A prolonged marine heatwave off Western Australia and elevated ocean temperatures were present in late February 2025. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology projected a heightened likelihood of severe tropical cyclones this season, consistent with the patterns observed during the November to April tropical cyclone season in the Southern Hemisphere.
The late February 2025 cyclone activity in the Southern Hemisphere was marked by an unusual presence of multiple storms across both the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. Warm sea surface temperatures appeared to be a significant factor in this occurrence, leading meteorologists to anticipate a more intense cyclone season. With implications for coastal regions, the developments around Cyclones Alfred, Seru, Bianca, Garance, and Honde underscore the need for vigilance during tropical cyclone season.
Original Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov
