Possible tropical cyclone to impact north-west WA next week

06/04/2023

Issued: Thursday 6 April 2023

The Bureau of Meteorology is monitoring a tropical low in the Arafura Sea north of the Northern Territory.

This low is expected to move westwards into the Timor Sea over the weekend, strengthening into a tropical cyclone during Monday off the north-west Kimberley coast.

The system is likely to continue moving to the south-west early next week to lie offshore from the Pilbara coast during Tuesday or Wednesday.

If the system does become a tropical cyclone, the next name on the list is “Ilsa”.

There are currently large uncertainties regarding the movement and intensity of the tropical low next week however a coastal crossing by a severe tropical cyclone mid-week is a possible scenario along the Pilbara coast or south-west Kimberley coast.

Heavy rainfall and destructive winds are likely close to where the system will be tracking from mid-next week, with enhanced thunderstorm activity for the northern Kimberley from Sunday.

Thunderstorms are forecast for northern WA throughout the Easter long weekend, mainly during the afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms in the southern Kimberley, Pilbara and North Interior are likely to be more isolated.

For Tropical Cyclone Outlooks, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/outlooks/index.shtml

Know your weather. Know your risk. Communities should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via our website and BOM Weather app and follow advice of emergency services.

ENDS