Historic Cyclone Activity in the Southern Hemisphere
Yesterday, the Southern Hemisphere experienced six tropical storms simultaneously, a rare occurrence last seen in 1989. The storms included Tropical Cyclone Honde, Garance, Hurricane Bianca, Hurricane Alfred, and cyclones Seru and Rae. The phenomena are attributed to warm sea-surface temperatures and weak wind shear associated with La Niña, with significant weather impacts reported for several regions.
On Tuesday, an unusual meteorological event unfolded in the Southern Hemisphere, witnessing the simultaneous existence of six tropical storms, commonly referred to as cyclones in that region. Three cyclones were observed in the South Pacific Ocean, thereby equaling a record set in 1989, while an additional three were located in the southern Indian Ocean. The tropical season spans from November to April, and this year has already seen 22 tropical depressions and cyclones.
Among the cyclones were Tropical Cyclone Honde situated off the coast of Mozambique, Garance near Madagascar, Hurricane Bianca west of Australia, Hurricane Alfred northeast of Australia, and tropical cyclones Seru and Rae situated north of New Zealand. AccuWeather’s Lead International Expert, Jason Nicholls, attributes the increased cyclone activity to current warm sea-surface temperatures and reduced wind shear conditions, both of which stem from La Niña.
Cyclone Rae had previously caused significant damage in Fiji, before Cyclone Honde formed, receiving its last advisory at 4 p.m. EST on the same day. A noteworthy occurrence was the last instance three tropical cyclones coexisted in the South Pacific, which took place in January 1999. Despite a similar situation in January 2021, technical difficulties had prevented its proper classification.
Cyclone Honde is currently moving southeast towards Mozambique’s coastline and is anticipated to impact southern Madagascar later this week, with forecasts indicating heavy rain and gusty winds. Forecasted rainfall in the region could reach up to 48 inches, with possible wind gusts of 100 mph.
Tropical Cyclone Garance is also projected to approach Reunion Island, marking the first hurricane threat to the island since 1989. With heavy rainfall forecasted, Nicholls anticipates local amounts of rain reaching up to two feet along with the potential for damaging wind gusts of 150 mph, coastal flooding, and increased sea swells.
Hurricane Alfred is continuing its intensification while navigating the Coral Sea, with expectations that it will remain east of Australia but could influence the weather in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales early next week with its outer rain bands.
In conclusion, the Southern Hemisphere is currently experiencing a historic occurrence of six simultaneous tropical storms due to conducive climatic conditions. The cyclones Honde and Garance are expected to cause significant weather impacts in their respective areas. This unusual storm activity highlights the influence of La Niña and the ongoing tropical season’s intensity.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
