Bureau of Meteorology Monitors Developing System
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is closely tracking a weak tropical low in the northern Coral Sea, which may strengthen into a tropical cyclone late on Sunday.
Senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy said the system, identified as 22U, will drift eastward over the next few days. It will move away from the Queensland coast but could still have an impact.
- The system has a moderate chance (above 20%) of developing into a tropical cyclone by Saturday.
- By late Sunday or early next week, the chance increases to above 50%.
- Large uncertainty remains regarding its movement and potential impact on Queensland.
Mr Hanniffy warned that the system could bring rough seas and strong winds along much of North Queensland’s coastline.
Showers and Thunderstorms Expected Along the Coast
A strengthening ridge along the east coast and the developing tropical low in the northern Coral Sea will bring showers to tropical cyclone Queensland regions on Friday.
“We could see some localised moderate falls up along the north tropical coast,” Mr Hanniffy said.
- Isolated thunderstorms are forecast for Cape York Peninsula, Gulf Country, and the northern and central interior.
- Maximum temperatures will be above average in Queensland’s western interior and western peninsula.
Next Cyclone Name Changed to Avoid PM Confusion
The BoM has made a rapid name change for the next tropical cyclone Queensland to prevent confusion with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Initially, the next storm was set to be named Cyclone Anthony, following Tropical Cyclone Zelia’s recent landfall in Western Australia. However, the bureau has decided to skip “Anthony” and name the next system “Alfred” instead.
“When a name matches a prominent person of the time, we reorder to the next name starting with that same letter to avoid any confusion,” a BoM spokesperson said.
This follows the standard alphabetical alternation between male and female cyclone names.
Also Read: Cyclone Zelia to Hit Western Australia with Winds Up to 290 km/h
Two Cyclones May Form in Coming Days
Australia could see two tropical cyclones developing near its shores in the next few days.
- A tropical low has formed 400km northeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea.
- The system has a moderate chance of developing into a cyclone on Saturday, with a high chance from Monday.
- The BoM currently expects this system to remain offshore and move east or southeast over the next seven days.
BoM senior meteorologist Jonathan How said there are multiple possible scenarios for the system’s movement from the middle of next week.
“This includes moving further east and away from Australia towards places like New Caledonia and Vanuatu, or the system could reach further south over the Coral Sea,” Mr How said.
Authorities urge residents to stay updated with the latest Queensland cyclone forecast as conditions evolve.
Second System Developing in the Indian Ocean
Another tropical low, currently sitting over the Indian Ocean, could also strengthen into a tropical cyclone.
- The system is located well off the Western Australian coast.
- It has a moderate chance of developing into a cyclone by Saturday, increasing to high by Sunday.
- The system will remain over the Indian Ocean and weaken over open waters, posing no threat to Western Australia.
“There is no threat to Western Australia or any offshore territories,” Mr How confirmed.
Fire Danger Increases in Australia’s Southeast
While North Queensland braces for potential cyclones, Australia’s southeast faces a different extreme – dangerous heat and strong winds.
- A burst of heat will hit South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania heading into the weekend.
- “We’ll see a run of very hot days and also some very warm nights,” Mr How said.
- The heatwave is driven by a high-pressure system in southern Australia, bringing strong northerly winds.
This combination increases fire danger, particularly in South Australia and Victoria.
Key Fire Danger Warnings:
- Saturday: Extreme fire danger for southeastern South Australia and western and central Victoria, including the Mount Lofty Ranges and Melbourne.
- Sunday: Strong and gusty winds continue across South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.
“These winds will combine with these high temperatures to produce elevated fire danger,” Mr How said.
Heatwave Peaks on Saturday
Temperatures will soar across the country, with inland areas of Victoria, South Australia, and NSW reaching the low 40s.
- Melbourne: 37°C
- Adelaide: 38°C
- Hobart: 30°C
- Sydney: High 20s to low 30s
Even Tasmania will experience unseasonably hot conditions, with high 20s to low 30s expected.
What’s Next?
Queenslanders should stay prepared as the tropical cyclone Queensland threat grows. BoM will continue tracking the system’s development, with further updates expected in the coming days.
For residents in the southeast, authorities urge caution as fire danger conditions intensify over the weekend.
