The Bureau provides a tropical cyclone 7 day forecast during the cyclone season, which typically runs from November to April each year. It includes detailed information to help you prepare for the impacts of tropical cyclones.
We keep you informed when a tropical low or tropical cyclone forms, or is expected to form, through our tropical cyclone 7 day forecast.
The easy‑to‑follow forecast shows the anticipated location and the chance a tropical low will develop into a tropical cyclone up to 7 days in advance.
When a tropical cyclone is forecast to impact coastal communities within the next 48 hours, we issue a tropical cyclone advice and a tropical cyclone forecast track map. The tropical cyclone advice tells you the expected impacts and includes recommended actions from emergency services.
The track map shows important information about the cyclone's forecast movements, intensity and its potential areas of impact, to help you prepare. Let's take a look at how the track map works.
The first step is tracking where the cyclone has been and how strong it is. The number in the centre of the cyclone symbol is the intensity category of the cyclone. The categories range from 1 to 5. The higher the number the stronger the intensity, with category 5 being the most severe. Coloured circles show the extent of damaging, destructive and very destructive wind gusts.
The next step is to predict where the cyclone may go and estimate its likely intensity and likely time of arrival at locations in its path. The centre line with the arrows shows the cyclone's most likely path. Either side of this line, the grey zone shows where the cyclone centre could be in the next 72 hours. Impacts can extend beyond the grey zone, so be prepared for any sudden change in the cyclone's predicted path.
Finally, the track map also includes wind warnings for nearby areas.
The darker orange shading shows the warning area that might experience gale force or destructive winds within the next 24 hours. The lighter orange shading shows the watch area where gale force or destructive winds might occur within the next 24 to 48 hours.
You can access the tropical cyclone 7 day forecast, track maps and advice on the Bureau's website so you can prepare and stay safe during a tropical cyclone. Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings on the Bureau's website or BOM Weather app. Activate notifications for the latest warnings in your area.
We keep you informed when a tropical low or tropical cyclone forms, or is expected to form, through our tropical cyclone 7 day forecast.
The easy‑to‑follow forecast shows the anticipated location and the chance a tropical low will develop into a tropical cyclone up to 7 days in advance.
When a tropical cyclone is forecast to impact coastal communities within the next 48 hours, we issue a tropical cyclone advice and a tropical cyclone forecast track map. The tropical cyclone advice tells you the expected impacts and includes recommended actions from emergency services.
The track map shows important information about the cyclone's forecast movements, intensity and its potential areas of impact, to help you prepare. Let's take a look at how the track map works.
The first step is tracking where the cyclone has been and how strong it is. The number in the centre of the cyclone symbol is the intensity category of the cyclone. The categories range from 1 to 5. The higher the number the stronger the intensity, with category 5 being the most severe. Coloured circles show the extent of damaging, destructive and very destructive wind gusts.
The next step is to predict where the cyclone may go and estimate its likely intensity and likely time of arrival at locations in its path. The centre line with the arrows shows the cyclone's most likely path. Either side of this line, the grey zone shows where the cyclone centre could be in the next 72 hours. Impacts can extend beyond the grey zone, so be prepared for any sudden change in the cyclone's predicted path.
Finally, the track map also includes wind warnings for nearby areas.
The darker orange shading shows the warning area that might experience gale force or destructive winds within the next 24 hours. The lighter orange shading shows the watch area where gale force or destructive winds might occur within the next 24 to 48 hours.
You can access the tropical cyclone 7 day forecast, track maps and advice on the Bureau's website so you can prepare and stay safe during a tropical cyclone. Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings on the Bureau's website or BOM Weather app. Activate notifications for the latest warnings in your area.
Understanding tropical cyclone forecast track maps
20 August 2026
Find out how to read a tropical cyclone forecast track map.