Increased Tropical Cyclone Potential Near Australia This Week

Australia’s tropics are likely to see elevated cyclone risks this week due to the Madden-Julian Oscillation. Monsoonal winds are bringing moist air, enhancing rainfall, particularly in northern Queensland. Two areas of low pressure are being monitored for potential cyclone development, with advisories recommended for residents in northern Australia.

The tropics around Australia are anticipated to experience heightened cyclone potential due to a pulse of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) this week. A surge of monsoonal winds is introducing moisture-rich air into the region, which combined with the active MJO is expected to increase rainfall and foster the development of tropical cyclones across northern Australia.

Forecasts indicate that the heaviest rainfall will initially affect northern Queensland, followed by significant tropical rain extending to parts of the Northern Territory (NT) and northern Western Australia (WA) later in the week. Meteorologists are particularly focused on two developing low-pressure areas that may evolve into tropical cyclones northwest of Australia.

One area of low pressure is currently emerging near the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, with the Bureau of Meteorology assessing a moderate chance of it becoming a tropical cyclone by Thursday. This system is predicted to remain offshore and not impact the Australian mainland during the upcoming week.

Additionally, a second low-pressure system is expected to form near the Pilbara coast of WA around Friday. Currently, this system has minimal likelihood of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next seven days; however, it may still affect northern WA by the week’s end, although details remain uncertain.

Residents in northern Australia are advised to stay vigilant regarding weather updates and flood alerts. Those in northern WA should particularly monitor tropical cyclone advisories in the coming days for pertinent developments.

In summary, the upcoming week presents a potential increase in tropical cyclone activity near Australia, driven by a combination of monsoonal winds and the Madden-Julian Oscillation. Key areas of focus include northern Queensland and the expected low-pressure systems near the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and northwest of WA. It is crucial for residents and businesses in these regions to remain informed about the latest weather forecasts and advisories to ensure safety during this stormy period.

Original Source: apac.dtn.com