Australian tropical cyclone season long-range forecast
About the long-range forecasts
The tropical cyclone season long-range forecast uses the statistical relationships between historical tropical cyclone numbers and two indicators: the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and the Niño3.4 sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly (relative to the 1991–2020 average). These two indicators provide a measure of the atmospheric and oceanic state, respectively, of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
The July, August and September SOI and NINO3.4 anomaly values are used in making the Australian Tropical Cyclone Outlook.
Interpreting the long-range forecast
The statistical long-range forecast generates a percentage chance that the upcoming season will have more tropical cyclones than the long-term average. For example, a 40% chance of having more than average tropical cyclones means that for every ten years with similar ENSO patterns to those currently observed, four years would be expected to have an above average number. The percentage chance is converted into a categorical forecast whether each region is expected to have an above average, average, or below average number of tropical cyclones.
The long-term average, since 1969–70, number of tropical cyclones per season in the Australian region is 11, with 4 typically making landfall. In the South Pacific region, the long-term average is 9 tropical cyclones per season.
In recent decades, in a globally warmer climate, the total number of tropical cyclones that have formed in the Australian region has decreased, to an average of 9 per season since 2000–01. In a globally warmer climate, it is generally more difficult for tropical cyclones to form due to less favourable atmospheric conditions. However, due to increased energy provided by warmer oceans, tropical cyclones that do form are likely to be more intense and produce more rainfall.
During El Niño events, there are typically fewer tropical cyclones than average, while more tend to occur during La Niña events.
Australian region long-range forecast accuracy
Historically, over the entire Australian Region, this statistical relationship has had high accuracy, i.e. has skilfully predicted total tropical cyclone activity. However, across the sub-regions this relationship, and thus forecast skill, can vary. The North-western sub-region has moderate to high skill, the Western region has moderate skill, and Eastern and Northern regions both have low skill.
The statistical relationship between historical tropical cyclones numbers and climate indicators used by the long-range forecast does not explicitly include global warming.
Australian tropical cyclone long-range forecast region bounds
| Region | Top | Bottom | Left | Right |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian region | 5° S | 40° S | 90° E | 160° E |
| Western region | 5° S | 40° S | 90° E | 125° E |
| NW sub-region | 5° S | 25° S | 105° E | 130° E |
| Northern region | 5° S | 40° S | 125° E | 142.5° E |
| Eastern region | 5° S | 40° S | 142.5° E | 160° E |
Current information
- Tropical Climate Update
- Tropical (MJO) monitoring
- Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)
- SST indices
- SST analysis maps
- SST outlooks
- Latest Northern wet season summary
- Tropical cyclone climatology maps
Tropical cyclone knowledge centre
Definitions
South Pacific
References
Research documents
Model: Kuleshov, Y., L. Qi, R. Fawcett and D. Jones, 2008: Improving preparedness to natural hazards: Tropical cyclone prediction for the Southern Hemisphere, in Advances in Geosciences, 12 Ocean Science, (Ed. Gan, J.), World Scientific Publishing, Singapore, 127-143.
Data: Kuleshov, Y., R. Fawcett, L. Qi, B. Trewin, D. Jones, J. McBride and H. Ramsay, 2010: Trends in tropical cyclones in the South Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean, Journal of Geophysical Research 115, D01101, doi:10.1029/2009JD012372.
Typical number of cyclones likely for Australia
- A typical number of tropical cyclones are expected for the 2017–18 Australian tropical cyclone season (November–April).
- ENSO-neutral to weak La Niña-like conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean and slightly warmer-than-average ocean temperatures to the north and east of Australia have influenced this year’s tropical cyclone outlook.
- During ENSO-neutral years, the first tropical cyclone to make landfall over Australia typically occurs in late December. In La Niña years, the first cyclone landfall typically occurs earlier, around the first week of December.
- On average, there are 10 to 13 tropical cyclones each season in the Australian region, four of which typically cross the coast.
- At least one tropical cyclone has crossed the Australian coast each season since reliable records begain in the 1970s.
- Cyclone formation is rarely spread evenly throughout the season; often quiet periods are followed by bursts of activity.
- Tropical lows that do not intensify into cyclones, or lows that are the remnants of older cyclones, can still cause widespread rainfall and dangerous flooding. These impacts can extend beyond the tropics into southern areas of the country.
Outlook influences
This outlook is based on the status of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over the preceding July to September. Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean have cooled since July and are now below average.The majority of climate models suggest ocean temperatures may cool to La Niña thresholds during summer, although they predict a weak, short-lived event should one occur. Atmospheric indicators of ENSO remain neutral. Ocean temperatures are currently 0.5 to 1 °C warmer than average to the north and east of Australia which marginally increases the likelihood of cyclones developing.
Outlook by region
The outlook indicates that a typical number of tropical cyclones is most likely in the Australian region and all sub-regions for 2017–18.
- The Australian region has a 56% chance of having more tropical cyclones than average, meaning a 44% chance of having fewer tropical cyclones than average. Typically, around four tropical cyclones cross the Australian coast in a season. Outlook accuracy for the Australian region is high.
- The Western region is likely to experience an average number of tropical cyclones this season, with the likelihood of more than average at 52%. The chance of fewer than average is 48%. Typically between about 15% and 40% of tropical cyclones in the Western region create coastal impacts. Outlook accuracy for the Western region is low.
- The Northwestern sub-region has a 56% chance of more tropical cyclones than average and a 44% chance of fewer tropical cyclones than average. Typically, five cyclones form in or pass through this area each season. Around 40% of tropical cyclones, or their associated tropical lows, effect coastal areas of the Northwestern sub-region. Outlook accuracy for this region is moderate.
- The Northern region outlook suggests an average number of tropical cyclones with a 53% chance of more tropical cyclones than average and a 47% chance of fewer tropical cyclones than average. In a typical year the Northern region experiences around three cyclones, and one or two tropical lows that later become cyclones after moving into the Western or Eastern regions. About three-quarters of the tropical cyclones in the Northern region impact coastal regions. Outlook accuracy for this region is very low.
- The Eastern region outlook shows a near average season is most likely, with a 54% chance of more tropical cyclones than average and a 46% chance of fewer. About a quarter of tropical cyclones in the Eastern region make landfall. Outlook accuracy for this region is low.
Product code: IDCKAUTCSO
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