A severe tropical cyclone warning has been issued for parts of northern Australia, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicting five potential systems to develop over the coming days.
According to the BOM’s seven-day forecast, four of these systems have a “moderate” chance of reaching cyclone strength. The systems are located over the north, particularly in Queensland, and could bring heavy rainfall and high winds regardless of whether they form into cyclones or not.
The first system to develop is near Cairns, where it has already brought 200-300mm of rain in recent days. Forecasters predict that this system will continue to bring heavy rain across the north-east tropical coast of Queensland from Townsville to Port Douglas over the weekend.
Another system in the Gulf of Carpentaria is also being closely monitored, with a “moderate” chance of developing into a cyclone by Sunday. The development of this system is uncertain due to its complex interactions with another system near Cairns.
Meanwhile, three other systems near Western Australia’s Kimberley are unlikely to have an impact on the Australian mainland, but may bring rain to parts of Queensland later in the week.
The monsoon season, which brings relief from heat and humidity to northern Australia, is also expected to kick off late this week. This could lead to widespread heavy downpours in the region, with some forecasts predicting that the monsoon could form over Darwin as early as Friday.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-30/bom-forecasts-four-potential-cyclones-in-coming-days/104872330