Australia has officially entered its cyclone season, and experts are cautioning that this summer could bring an elevated threat of cyclonic activity.

The cyclone period, spanning from November 1 to April 30, is anticipated to be more intense than usual, largely due to increased sea surface temperatures in the northern regions of the nation.

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

He adds, “Once this temperature threshold is surpassed, the potential for tropical cyclones to intensify rises with warmer ocean temperatures.”

Domensino highlights that in some northern areas, temperatures have already exceeded 27 degrees Celsius, with certain locations in Queensland and the Northern Territory recording temperatures as high as 31 degrees.

“These temperatures are about one to three degrees above average and rank in the top 10 per cent of historical records for this time of year,” Domensino said.

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.