Six Tropical Storms Active Simultaneously in the Southern Hemisphere

Yesterday, six tropical storms were active in the Southern Hemisphere, comprising three in the South Pacific and three in the Indian Ocean. This unusual event has not occurred since 1989. Factors such as warm sea temperatures and weak wind shear, linked to La Niña, have contributed to this situation. Significant impacts from Cyclones Honde and Garance are anticipated in Madagascar and Reunion Island respectively.

On Tuesday, six tropical storms, referred to as cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, were reported simultaneously in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, an occurrence not seen since 1989. The tropical season in this region runs from November through April, and this season has recorded a total of 22 tropical depressions and cyclones thus far. The occurrence of three tropical cyclones in the South Pacific was last noted in January 1999.

Among the cyclones, Tropical Cyclone Honde was located off the coast of Mozambique, while Cyclone Garance was near Madagascar. Additionally, Hurricane Bianca and Hurricane Alfred were present near Australia, and Cyclones Seru and Rae were located north of New Zealand. Factors contributing to this abundance of storms include warm sea surface temperatures and minimal wind shear, attributed to the La Niña phenomenon as explained by AccuWeather Lead International Expert Jason Nicholls.

Cyclone Honde is forecast to impact southern Madagascar with significant rainfall ranging from 12 to 24 inches and potentially up to 48 inches in some areas. Wind gusts could reach upwards of 100 mph along the southern coast. Meanwhile, Cyclone Garance is expected to approach Reunion Island as a hurricane, which has not occurred since 1989, potentially bringing heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 150 mph, threatening coastal infrastructure significantly.

Hurricane Alfred intensified after forming in the Coral Sea, moving south while remaining primarily east of Australia. However, its outer bands may bring rainfall to the southeast regions of Queensland and northeast New South Wales in the coming week. As of the latest reports, the total accumulated cyclone energy in the Southern Hemisphere has surpassed historical averages, demonstrating the increased intensity and frequency of storms this season.

The simultaneous presence of six tropical storms in the Southern Hemisphere marks a rare meteorological event with significant implications for affected regions. Key storms such as Tropical Cyclone Honde and Cyclone Garance are expected to cause severe weather impacts, including heavy rainfall and powerful winds. The ongoing tropical season has greatly exceeded historical norms, indicating a heightened atmospheric activity attributed to climatic conditions.

Original Source: www.accuweather.com