Cyclone Activity Peaks in Southern Hemisphere: February 2025 Overview

In February 2025, the Southern Hemisphere experienced unusual cyclone activity with multiple storms in both the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Notably, cyclones Alfred, Seru, Bianca, Honde, and Garance posed various threats, particularly to coastal areas. Meteorological factors included warm ocean temperatures and weak wind shear, indicating an active cyclone season.

In late February 2025, the Southern Hemisphere witnessed an unusual concentration of tropical cyclones across two oceans. The South Pacific was home to three active storms simultaneously, which is a rare phenomenon, while the Indian Ocean experienced a similar trio of cyclones.

On February 26, a false-color image captured by the VIIRS sensor aboard NOAA-20 showcased five tropical cyclones. This image utilized infrared signals, distinguishing between cooler cloud structures and warmer surfaces. Prior to the image, Tropical Cyclone Rae had weakened after affecting Fiji, marking the presence of six storms in the region.

Cyclones Alfred and Seru were also present in the South Pacific, with Seru briefly reaching Category 1 strength. Cyclone Alfred, while expected to remain offshore, was projected to cause hazardous coastal conditions in southern Queensland. It was already at Category 2 strength on the imaging day, with forecasts indicating a possible rise to Category 4 the following day.

In Western Australia, Tropical Cyclone Bianca was transitioning to a tropical storm status after previously reaching Category 3. Fortunately, it remained distant enough from land, sparing Australia and nearby islands from its impacts.

In the Indian Ocean, cyclones Honde and Garance posed more significant threats. The island nation of Mauritius closed its airport as Garance approached, anticipated to escalate from Category 2 to Category 3, with wind speeds of up to 190 kilometers per hour. Cyclone Honde, a Category 1 storm, prompted warnings for heavy rain and strong winds in Madagascar and surrounding regions.

Meteorological experts attributed the surge in cyclone activity to elevated sea surface temperatures and minimal wind shear conditions. A marine heatwave off the coast of Western Australia since September 2024, coupled with warmer oceanic conditions in late February 2025, further fueled cyclone development. Seasonal predictions from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology highlighted an increased probability of severe tropical cyclones for the period from November to April in the Southern Hemisphere.

In conclusion, late February 2025 witnessed a remarkable prevalence of tropical cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, involving multiple storms in both the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. The heightened storm activity is primarily linked to elevated sea surface temperatures and associated meteorological conditions, prompting concerns for affected regions such as southern Queensland and Mauritius. The situation underscores the importance of monitoring cyclone developments as the season progresses.

Original Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov