Community & Business
22 October, 2022
BOM predicts more cyclones
AN increased risk of more tropical cyclones and tropical lows is being predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for the next six months.
The bureau has issued Australia's Tropical Cyclone Season long-range forecast in advance of the 1 November to 30 April cyclone season.
This season, the bureau says there’s a greater than 70 per cent chance of at least 11 tropical cyclones impacting the Australian region.
Communities are being urged to prepare now as there is an increased chance that the first tropical cyclone will be earlier in the season.
This reflects the impact of current climate influences including La Niña and a negative Indian Ocean Dipole.
Despite fewer tropical cyclones in recent years, Australia has never had a season without at least one tropical cyclone crossing the coast, since records began in the early 1970s.
The 2022-23 long-range forecast includes:
An increased risk of an above average number of tropical cyclones and tropical lows
An increased risk of widespread flooding for eastern and northern Australia
Normal bushfire potential in eastern States
An increased risk of prolonged heatwaves in southern areas with higher humidity. And
A normal risk of severe thunderstorms.
The bureau closely monitors tropical weath-er systems and says it is important for people to know their weather and their risk so they are ready to act and stay safe.
Communities are encouraged to stay up to date with forecasts and warnings through the bureau's website and BOM Weather app. To receive notifications through the app, visit the notifications setting menu to get the warning information you need when it matters most.
This coming summer, more cloud and a wetter landscape could mean a reduced num-ber of extreme heat days compared to recent years. However, given the long-term warming trend, even in a wet summer, some places will experience heatwaves.
