Weather News

Long weekend tropical soaking

Ben Domensino, Thursday January 25, 2018 - 14:48 AEDT

There is an increasing chance that a tropical cyclone may develop in Australian waters during the coming days.

Widespread rain and thunderstorms will affect tropical areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia this long weekend.

Darwin has already had a wet week, with more than half a month's worth of rain falling during the last six days. The city could see another 100-200mm between Friday and Sunday, possibly more if thunderstorms develop.

This week's rain is being caused by moisture-laden winds feeding into a monsoon trough and is being enhanced by a phenomenon called the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO).

The MJO is a pulse of increased stormy weather that travels around our planet near the equator. When an active phase of the MJO passes through the Australian region, northern parts of the country often experience enhanced rainfall and the risk of tropical cyclone development is also increased.

Forecast models indicate that a number of low pressure systems will be embedded within the monsoon trough throughout the long weekend. If any of these lows develop or move over open water, they have the potential to strengthen into a tropical cyclone.

If you live in cyclone-prone parts of Australia, be sure to check the latest information and advisories on the Bureau of Meteorology's website this weekend.

- Weatherzone

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