Cyclone activity to increase in Australia in next season

October 10, 2016 12:58 PM | Skymet Weather Team

After an unusual quiet cyclone season last year , this season is likely to make way for a stormy summer ahead. The Pacific is abnormally filled with warm waters which are set to fuel more tropical tempests. The year 2015-16 saw a mere 3 cyclones in the Australian region with just Cyclone Stan making landfall. Both the records are low in numbers for the last 50 years.

But for the coming season more storms are likely to occur with number of storms reaching up to 11 tropical cyclones. Out of those 11 cyclones, four of them will cross the Australian coast. This will be bringing in high winds, powerful waves and storm surges in the parts of West Australia and Queensland.

This increase in the number of cyclones can be attributed to the abnormally warm waters around Australia. Some regions may even see a rise in 2-3 degrees above the average temperatures.

The conditions in the Pacific indicate that they have moved away from El Nino towards La Nina. During La Nina years, rainfall and storm activity tends to shift westwards towards Australia.

This increased number of cyclones without any doubt will give heavy showers and gusty winds. Most probable chances are that these cyclones will increase the chances of flooding.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

 

 

 

OTHER LATEST STORIES