Weatherwatch: Cyclone Zelia Impacts Western Australia Amid Cold Spells Worldwide

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a tropical cyclone alert for Western Australia as tropical low 18U is expected to strengthen into cyclone Zelia, bringing severe weather and potential flooding. Meanwhile, Canada is experiencing extreme cold with temperatures plummeting well below seasonal averages, and parts of Europe are anticipating a significant cold snap due to a polar air mass.

The Bureau of Meteorology has announced a tropical cyclone alert for the northern coastline of Western Australia. This alert is aimed at a tropical low identified as 18U, currently located near the Kimberley coast. Starting Sunday night, northern Australia will experience significant impacts from strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. Additionally, a flood warning has been issued in light of the impending weather conditions. Forecasts suggest that 18U will track south-west along Western Australia’s warm waters into the following week, reinforcing expectations that it will develop into a tropical cyclone named Zelia. By week’s end, Zelia is anticipated to make landfall in the Pilbara region, delivering local rainfall totals of 150mm to 250mm (5.9in to 9.8in) and wind gusts reaching approximately 100mph.

In Canada, a severe cold spell has ensued as polar air moved southward, driving temperatures down between 5C and 10C (41F to 50F) below seasonal norms. The western regions, specifically Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon, are particularly affected, with maximum temperatures projected to hover between -10C and -15C this week. Overnight lows may plummet to -20C and -30C, with some areas experiencing extreme cold as low as -35C, significantly below average seasonal temperatures.

Europe, too, is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures, with a gradual cooling trend expected across northern regions this week. The following week will witness a sharper decline, with temperatures dipping between 2C and 5C below average throughout northern Europe and possibly reaching 5C to 10C below average in parts of Scandinavia. This cold wave is attributed to the establishment of a high-pressure system over eastern Europe, directing a colder polar continental air mass into the region, albeit with some uncertainty regarding its severity and extent.

In summary, Western Australia braces for tropical cyclone Zelia, which is predicted to bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall. Concurrently, Canada endures a harsh cold spell, with significantly below-average temperatures impacting several cities. Europe is also anticipated to experience a notable temperature drop due to a polar air mass. These weather phenomena highlight the varying climatic challenges faced across different regions.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com