Weatherwatch: Cyclone Zelia Approaches Western Australia Amid Global Cold Spells

A tropical cyclone alert has been issued for the north coast of Western Australia as cyclone Zelia approaches, expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains. Meanwhile, Canada experiences significant cold temperatures, and northern Europe is predicted to face a cold snap. The upcoming weeks will see weather-related challenges across these regions.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a tropical cyclone alert for the northern coast of Western Australia due to a tropical low designated as 18U. This system is currently located near the Kimberley region and is anticipated to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges to northern Australia starting Sunday night. A flood warning has also been announced, suggesting significant weather impacts are imminent.

Forecasts indicate that the system will move south-west along the warm coastal waters and is expected to strengthen into tropical cyclone Zelia in the coming days. By the week’s end, Zelia is projected to make landfall in the Pilbara region, potentially delivering rainfall amounts between 150mm and 250mm (approximately 5.9 inches to 9.8 inches), accompanied by wind gusts nearing 100 mph.

In Canada, a severe cold spell has ensued, attributed to an influx of polar air from the north. This phenomenon has resulted in temperatures plummeting between 5C to 10C (41F to 50F) below seasonal averages, especially affecting Western Canada. Cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon may experience maximum daytime temperatures from -10C to -15C, with nighttime lows reaching between -20C and -30C.

Similarly, Europe is bracing for a cold snap, with northern regions expected to see temperatures gradually decline. A more pronounced decrease of 2C to 5C below average is expected soon, and parts of Scandinavia may see drops of 5C to 10C below normal. This cold surge stems from the establishment of a large high-pressure system over eastern Europe, which is ushering in a colder polar continental air mass. However, there remains some uncertainty concerning the severity and duration of this forecasted cold period.

In conclusion, Western Australia is preparing for the impacts of tropical cyclone Zelia, with anticipated strong winds and heavy rains. Concurrently, Canada is facing an extreme cold spell, while Europe is poised for a significant temperature drop in the coming weeks. These weather patterns highlight the varying climatic challenges across regions, necessitating attentive responses from authorities.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com