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High chance of early cyclone brewing in Coral Sea off Queensland coast, weather bureau says

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says there is now a high chance of a tropical cyclone brewing over the Coral Sea next week, signalling an early start to cyclone season.

There has not been an October cyclone in the Coral Sea in 50 years of records

A tropical low is expected to form east of the Solomon Islands later today and is forecast to move south-west towards the Coral Sea.

The bureau said there was a high likelihood of it reaching tropical cyclone strength between Monday 23 Oct and Thursday 26^th Oct, while remaining well away from the Queensland coast.

The seven-day forecast shows there is a 75 per cent chance of cyclone development on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Senior meteorologist Kimba Wong said a cyclone in the area in October would be an “interesting phenomenon”.

“Since our reliable records began in around 1970, we haven’t had a tropical cyclone in the Coral Sea [in October],” Ms Wong said.

“But of course, it’s a really timely reminder for us to get a little bit more familiar with our tropical cyclone forecast and warning service and start considering our cyclone preparedness as well.”

Cyclone season typically spans November to April, but Ms Wong said it was not unheard of to see cyclones form outside that window.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-20/high-chance-of-early-cyclone-brewing-in-coral-sea-weather-bureau/103001918