Weather experts are keeping a close eye on a tropical low positioned off the Queensland coast, which is predicted to strengthen into a cyclone in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology has identified the system, referred to as Tropical Low “22U”, which is expected to move east or south-east away from the coastline. Current forecasts suggest there’s a 25% chance of cyclone formation by tomorrow, increasing to approximately 60% by Monday.
Weather models indicate a potential path that may direct the low towards Bundaberg or see it remain solely within the Coral Sea. However, a clearer prediction of its trajectory is anticipated by Monday. In the meantime, a strong wind warning has been issued for areas along the Far North Queensland coast, including Cooktown, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Capricornia, Hervey Bay, and K’gari. Rain is expected in Cairns, Mackay, and Rockhampton, with storms possible across western and far northern Queensland.
Additionally, another tropical low, known as “21U”, is forming north-west of the Kimberley region in Western Australia, also anticipated to stay offshore. This follows the recent impact of Tropical Cyclone Zelia on Western Australia.