The 2017–18 tropical cyclone season is likely to see a typical number of tropical cyclones form in the Australian region.
The season, which runs from November to April, typically sees between 10 and 13 cyclones in Australian waters, with around four of these crossing the coast—also known as making landfall. Australia has always seen at least one tropical cyclone cross the coast each season.
This outlook is influenced by ENSO-neutral to weak La Niña-like conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
During ENSO-neutral years, the first tropical cyclone to make landfall over Australia typically occurs in late December. In La Niña years, the first cyclone landfall typically occurs earlier, around the first week of December.
Tropical cyclones can still have a significant impact on coastal communities, through heavy rainfall, storm surges, and large waves, even when they don’t officially cross the coast.
– Bureau of Meteorology
