Plenty of rain hot tip as cyclones also await
RAIN and a higher than average number of cyclones are likely on the cards, according to weather boffin Tom Saunders.
The Sky News chief meteorologist said the early start to the wet season promised for a healthy dose of rain ahead.
“It’s the fourth earliest on record so it’s a good start for anyone who wants rain in the region,” he said.
“We expect the above average rain to continue through the wet season.”
It comes as welcome relief, with 2019 the hottest and driest on record.
The heavy rainfall could see some major weather events develop across Australia and the NT.
“Historically, La Nina periods have brought rain but also flooding to eastern Australia, that includes the NT area,” Mr Saunders said.
However, heavy rainfalls don’t always translate to an increase in the famous tropical thunderstorms.
“It’s a complex relationship between La Nina and thunder. It doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll get more storms,” Mr Saunders said.
“A lot of the La Nina comes through windy and rainy days rather than the explosive storms which come through.”
Mr Saunders said the chance of cyclones in the Top End also loomed.
“Tied into all this is tropical cyclones – last season for the northern region, from the Kimberleys to Cape York we only had one tropical cyclone, Tropical Cyclone Esther, so it was a quiet season,” he said.
“We’re expecting three to four this season so that’s average to slightly above the average number of three each season.”
Damien and Sue Riggs are visiting Darwin this weekend from Mataranka for Ms Riggs’ birthday and have enjoyed the rain up here so far and hoped it filtered down to Mataranka.
“I just love the environment, the rain and the lightning show, I just love it all,” Mr Riggs said.
“I believe Katherine’s already had several storms go through to Mataranka and I hope it continues.
“We’re looking forward to a long wet season, very much looking forward to it.”