When is the earliest cyclone recorded to make landfall in Australia?

The earliest cyclone to make landfall in Australia was Ines, which crossed the Kimberley on 21 November 1973.

How is climate change affecting tropical cyclones?

Climate change is intensifying tropical cyclones globally, making them more severe and likely to develop more rapidly.

What is the current status of Tropical Cyclone Fina?

Tropical Cyclone Fina is north-east of Darwin and is expected to intensify before potentially making landfall on the Northern Territory coast.

Home / Weather / Cyclone Fina May Break Australia's Earliest Landfall Record

Cyclone Fina May Break Australia's Earliest Landfall Record

19 Nov

•

Summary

Cyclone Fina could make landfall on Australia's earliest recorded date.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns of potential impact on Friday or Saturday.
Climate change is linked to intensifying and more rapid cyclone development.

Cyclone Fina May Break Australia's Earliest Landfall Record

Tropical cyclone Fina is currently situated north-east of Darwin and is forecast to intensify before potentially making landfall on the Northern Territory coast by Friday or Saturday. This event carries the possibility of equaling the record for the earliest cyclone landfall in Australia, a record previously set in 1973. The Northern Territory could experience its earliest cyclone landfall on record.

While the official cyclone season began on November 1, landfalls are typically not expected until mid to late December. Fina's current track suggests Darwin may be impacted. Experts highlight that climate change is a significant factor, leading to more intense and rapidly developing tropical cyclones globally, with a higher proportion expected to reach severe categories.

Sea surface temperatures in the Timor Sea are above average, providing favorable conditions for cyclone formation. Although Fina is currently small, this characteristic can lead to rapid intensification and spin-up, potentially catching communities by surprise. This situation underscores the evolving patterns of severe weather events influenced by a changing climate.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.