AFTER much speculation over climatological information, the Australian cyclone season has kicked off with the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek on the last day of October.
Climate and severe weather experts are expecting a fairly active cyclone season in Australia, with more frequent and more intense cyclones than normal. The main reason for this is the warmer waters in our tropics.
So far, Anggrek fits well with this prediction, having formed very, very early in the season (which officially runs from November through April).
Anggrek's path, though, is not expected to extend across the Australian mainland, and instead travels in a curve around the Cocos Islands. Although this may sound good for mainland residents, it may actually come as a disappointment to some.
Tropical cyclones are a major contributor to rainfall over WA. Even if a cyclone does not make landfall, remnant moisture can still deliver good falls to and farms in the interior. Unfortunately, Anggrek looks too far away for this too happen significantly.
