Two potential tropical cyclones are currently present off the northern coastline of Australia, prompting heightened awareness as the nation prepares for more late-season cyclone activity. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings indicating a significant likelihood that one of the tropical lows in the Arafura Sea could develop into a tropical cyclone.
Forecasts suggest that this system will move southwest into the Timor Sea over the weekend before shifting towards waters north of Darwin and then proceeding north of the Kimberley region. By Tuesday evening, the chances of a cyclone forming off the Western Australia coast are projected to be around 60 per cent.
The anticipated weather patterns promise to unleash heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in northern Australia, with estimates predicting between 100-200mm of rain across the Top End and Cape York Peninsula. Meanwhile, another tropical low is predicted to emerge in the eastern Arafura Sea or the Gulf of Carpentaria, but this system exhibits a lower probability of development into a cyclone, becoming more likely from Wednesday next week.
If either of these systems escalates to cyclone status, this season could mark the most active cyclone season Australia has encountered in six years. Since November 2024, at least seven tropical cyclones have initially formed across various Australian regions, including notable names such as Cyclone Sean, Cyclone Zelia, and Cyclone Alfred.
As residents and authorities gear up for potential impacts, close attention will be paid to weather developments in the coming days.