The first tropical cyclone of the season is all set to develop during the long weekend. The tropical cyclone will be a product of a large system of unsettled weather across northern Australia’s Gulf of Carpentaria. The warm waters of the Gulf will enable the cyclone to develop on or immediately after Christmas.
Before the cyclone could take shape heavy rain spells will roll through the northern most parts of Queensland including Darwin. Other than creating travel disruptions due to heavy rain for people heading out for Christmas, flash flooding can also take place. The good news for the people in the region is that the tropical cyclone could be short-lived.
The tropical cyclone is likely to move close to the shore of Northwest Queensland around early next week. The main threat from the developing cyclone, no matter what the strength will be, is heavy rain. The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in Sydney Harbor will be spared from the effects of the cyclone as it is too far to the north.
The landfall of this cyclone is considered early according to the El-Nino pattern which is currently in place. In El-Nino years normally the cyclones develop and make landfall during mid-January. According to local met office a total of eight tropical cyclones are expected to develop this season, which is below the average of 11.
Image credit: abc.net.au
