Queensland on cyclone watch as monsoonal rains drench north
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
Weather experts are closely tracking several tropical lows forming north of Australia, with heavy rain expected across the north later this week. Two systems carry a moderate risk of developing into tropical cyclones.
The lows are sitting within an active monsoon trough stretching across northern Australia. The setup is already delivering widespread showers and storms, especially along Queensland’s far north and tropical coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the monsoon has entered an intense phase. Overnight, parts of north-east Queensland recorded between 100mm and 300mm of rain. Major flooding warnings are in place for the Herbert River, with minor flooding along the Daintree River.
One system, known as 29U, is positioned over the Coral Sea. It has about a 25 per cent chance of strengthening into a cyclone from Wednesday and could approach the coast between Cairns and Mackay later this week.
Another low, 31U, has formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria and is expected to track west across the Northern Territory. It carries a lower chance — around 10 to 15 per cent — of becoming a cyclone.
Forecasters say even if the systems remain tropical lows, the combination of multiple systems and the monsoon trough will bring widespread rain and thunderstorms across northern Australia.
According to Weatherzone, some models suggest heavy rain could extend into central and south-east Queensland later in the week.
If cyclones do form, communities could face intense rainfall, flash flooding, damaging winds and rough coastal conditions.
Australia has already recorded nine tropical cyclones this season, which runs from November to April. The next names on the list are Narelle, Oran, Peta and Riordan.
Stay tuned with Aus News Lanka – the leading platform for news for Australians.
Comments