Kimberley braces for wet season: cyclones and heatwaves expected

Kimberley residents should prepare for an average wet season in 2024–25, with five cyclones forecast to form in the north-western region this summer.

According to long-range forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, two to three severe cyclones could emerge and one or more could make landfall.

Bureau of Meteorology WA decision support services manager Todd Smith said the region was returning to a normal cyclone season after last year’s quieter than expected conditions, which saw no cyclones hit the coast.

“There’s no strong influence towards more or less cyclones than normal, or more or less rainfall,” he said.

“It’s not a strong signal like what we saw last year where it was very dry, particularly in the Broome area and the Pilbara coastal areas.”

Broome in particular has not seen a major cyclone since 2000, when cyclone Rosita struck, leading to concerns the area may be overdue.

“It’s been quite a while since Broome has had a big cyclone. In 2000, cyclone Rosita crossed the coast just to the south of Broome, but it’s really important to note that cyclones do and can hit this part of the world as well,” Mr Smith said.

Average or above-average rainfall is predicted, with the Bureau warning there is potential for significant flooding, especially with the arrival of heavy rains later in the season.

In addition to cyclones, heatwaves are expected to dominate the Kimberley’s build-up to the wet season, with higher-than-normal temperatures forecast through October, November and December.

“All of the seasonal outlooks are pointing towards a hotter build-up period,” Mr Smith said.

“There’s a strong chance that temperatures will be above average during both daytime and overnight and with that there will be an increased risk of heatwaves.”

DFES acting superintendent Matt Wakeman advised locals to avoid complacency and to prepare for both heat and storm conditions.

“We’re asking people to have a cyclone game plan,” he said.

“It’s been number of years since Broome has had a cyclone make ground. That means Broome is due for one, so people need to prepare.”

DFES introduced a new cyclone warning system earlier this year, shifting from the traditional alert colours to advisories that align with bushfire warnings to improve public understanding and response.

There are now three warning levels which move up and down to reflect the risk to life or property before, during and after a cyclone.

These are yellow for advice, orange for watch and act, and red for emergency warnings.

Residents are urged to review emergency plans, monitor warnings and prepare for both heat and storms as the wet season unfolds.