Australia is bracing for the start of its cyclone season, with meteorologists cautioning that the summer months may bring a heightened risk of severe cyclones.

Spanning from November 1 to April 30, this season could be particularly intense due to unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the country’s northern regions.

Ben Domensino from Weatherzone explained, “Tropical cyclones require sea surface temperatures of at least 26.5 degrees to develop.”

He further noted, “When temperatures exceed this threshold, the potential for cyclones to strengthen typically rises with increasing ocean warmth.”

Domensino highlighted that certain areas are already experiencing temperatures over 27 degrees, with some reaching up to 31 degrees in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

“These temperatures are currently one to three degrees above the norm and rank among the top 10 percent of historical records for this period,” Domensino added.

As a result of the higher water temperatures, there is a higher possibility of more severe cyclones in the upcoming season.

This could pose a risk to millions of Australians living in tropical coastal areas in multiple states and territories. 

Tropical cyclones that form in the Australian region in the coming months will have a higher-than-normal potential to strengthen into severe tropical cyclones, thanks to the abnormally warm oceans surrounding northern Australia.

There were 12 cyclones in the last season, the highest number in 18 years.

This included Cyclone Alfred, which struck Queensland and New South Wales in March and was the fourth costliest cyclone in Australia, causing nearly $2 billion in damage.