The Bureau of Meteorology has released its Severe Weather Outlook for October to April, showing an increased risk of tropical cyclones in northern Australia and flooding for the east coast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
La Nina suggests an earlier than normal arrival for the first rains of this year's northern wet season and an earlier monsoon onset for Darwin.
While recent decades have seen a decline in the number of tropical cyclones in our region, Bureau climatologist, Greg Browning, said this summer was likely to buck that trend.
"On average Australia sees nine to 11 tropical cyclones each year, with four crossing the coast. With La Nina this year we are expecting to see slightly more tropical cyclones than average, and the first one may arrive earlier than normal," Mr Browning said.
"Every northern wet season has had at least one tropical cyclone cross the Australian coast, so we can never be complacent. We know that cyclones can develop at any time throughout the tropical cyclone season, which runs from November to April," he said.
"This means that communities right across northern Australia need to stay be prepared now, and stay informed from the very start of the tropical cyclone season in October, right though until April."
QUEENSLAND
- La Nina is likely to bring more rain than usual, with an increased risk of widespread flooding
- Likely to see more tropical lows and cyclones than normal
- Earlier start to the wet season across the north
- Average numbers of severe thunderstorms
After the catastrophic fires of last summer, it's a very different bushfire outlook this season, with average fire potential for most parts.
"This fire season we're expecting wetter than average conditions in eastern and northern Australia, so long running large bushfires are less likely, however a wetter spring can lead to abundant grass growth, which could increase fire danger as it naturally dries during summer," Mr Browning said.
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Friday.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
