A tropical low brews danger off Western Australia’s coast. The Bureau of Meteorology tracks it closely. Southeast Australia faces scorching days. Here’s the latest.
Figure 1: The Bureau of Meteorology reports that a tropical low located in the Timor Sea, northwest of Darwin, is tracking southwest and is likely to develop into Tropical Cyclone Errol later today. [Image: Bureau of Meteorology]
Tropical Low Sparks Cyclone Watch
The Bureau of Meteorology issues a warning. A tropical low, dubbed 29U, swirls in the Timor Sea. It sits 255km northwest of the Tiwi Islands. BOM Radar shows it moving southwest at 16 km/h. Winds have hit 95 km/h already. Experts predict it will become a cyclone by Saturday afternoon. If it forms, they’ll name it Errol. This marks Australia’s eighth cyclone this season. That’s the highest in 19 years.
The radar system will be tracking near the Kimberley coast by Sunday. It brings heavy rain and strong winds. Gales threaten areas from Cockatoo Island to King George River. The bureau expects damaging gusts overnight Saturday. Communities brace for impact. The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services sounds the alarm.
Figure 2: Tropical-lows all around Australia [Windy]
Errol’s Path and Power
By Sunday, it reaches Category 2 strength. Warm waters fuel its rise. Meteorologist Ben Domensino shares insights. “The impending tropical cyclone is not likely to cross the coast and should stay to the north of WA between now and at least the middle of next week,” he says. Yet, it may near the Kimberley coast. This could spark heavy rain and high tides.
Tuesday brings more intensity. BOM Radar suggests a Category 3 cyclone. Angus Hines, BOM meteorologist, explains the trajectory. “Notice that its track takes it further away from the country,” he notes. But uncertainty lingers. A “cone of uncertainty” on BOM Radar shows possible paths. Late next week, Errol might swing south. This could hit the Kimberley or Pilbara hard. Residents stay vigilant.
Kimberley Prepares for Impact
The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services acts fast. They warn 450km of coastline. “Although there is no immediate danger you need to start preparing for dangerous weather and keep up to date,” their alert reads. They urge securing boats and caravans. Emergency kits need canned food, water, and radios. Supplies should last five to seven days.
BOM highlights gale-force winds. These hit King George River to Kuri Bay first. Sunday morning brings the worst. Thunderstorms may join the chaos. Tides could rise above normal. The bureau notes sea levels won’t top yearly highs. Still, caution rules the day. Coastal towns ready themselves.
South-East Sizzles Under High Pressure
Meanwhile, south-east Australia heats up. A high-pressure system drives the warmth. BOM tracks it over the Tasman Sea. Melbourne expects 30C on Saturday and Sunday. That’s the hottest April in four years. Sydney hits 26C both days. Temperatures soar 12C above average in Victoria. The bureau flags unseasonal conditions.
This warmth contrasts Errol’s threat. While WA battles winds, the south-east basks in sun. BOM Radar shows clear skies for Melbourne. Sydney sees similar patterns. The high-pressure system lingers. It keeps heat locked in place. Residents enjoy the weekend. But they stay alert for fire risks.
Cyclone Season’s Record Pace
Errol’s potential formation sets a milestone. Eight cyclones mark a 19-year high. Earlier, ex-Cyclone Dianne soaked Queensland’s outback. Ex-Cyclone Alfred battered south-east Queensland. Northern NSW felt its wrath too. Radar captured their paths clearly. Each storm tested communities. Errol now adds pressure.
Domensino notes forecasting challenges. Tropical lows defy easy predictions. “Cyclones were difficult to predict when they were still tropical lows and in the early stages of tropical cyclone development,” he says. BOM Radar refines data daily. Updates the guide WA’s response. Accuracy improves as Errol strengthens.
Staying Safe and Informed
Hines urges caution. “Be alert, but not alarmed at this stage,” he advises. BOM offers real-time updates. The bureau’s website details warnings. Coastal residents check forecasts often. Strong marine wind warnings cover the Beagle Bonaparte Coast. The North Tiwi Coast faces gales on Sunday.
Communities, act now. They secure homes and stock supplies. BOM Radar guides their plans. If Errol shifts south, impacts grow. The Kimberley and Pilbara prepare. Southeast Australia enjoys warmth. But they watch for fire risks. Errol’s story unfolds fast.
What’s Next for Errol?
BOM Radar tracks Errol’s every move. By mid-week, it drifts offshore. But late-week shifts loom. Hines warns of a southern turn. This could bring storms back. The Kimberley stays on edge. South-east Australia keeps cool heads. Warm days demand care. Errol tests Australia’s resilience.
