Weather Update: Tropical Cyclone Zelia and Global Cold Spells

The Bureau of Meteorology warns of tropical cyclone Zelia affecting Western Australia with heavy rain and winds. In Canada, polar air has caused significant cold, while northern Europe braces for dropping temperatures due to a high-pressure system. The severity and extent of these weather events remain somewhat uncertain.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a tropical cyclone alert for the north coast of Western Australia, particularly concerning a tropical low designated as 18U, located near the Kimberley region. Starting Sunday night, northern Australia will experience strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, alongside a flood warning. Forecasts predict that 18U will move south-westward along the warmer waters and escalate into a tropical cyclone, to be named Zelia.

By week’s end, Zelia is anticipated to make landfall near the Pilbara region, potentially delivering rainfall amounts of 150mm to 250mm (5.9 inches to 9.8 inches) and wind gusts reaching around 100mph.

In Canada, a harsh cold spell has re-emerged as polar air sweeps in from the north, plunging temperatures to 5C to 10C (41F to 50F) below seasonal averages. Cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon may experience maximum temperatures ranging from -10C to -15C this week, while nighttime temperatures could plummet to between -20C and -30C. Extreme temperatures as low as -35C are possible in certain areas, significantly below the seasonal norm.

Europe, too, is bracing for a cold snap. Over the coming week, a gradual decline in temperatures across northern Europe is expected, leading to a severe drop thereafter. Temperatures are likely to be between 2C and 5C below average, with certain regions in Scandinavia experiencing reductions of 5C to 10C below normal. This cold wave is attributed to a high-pressure area developing over eastern Europe, creating a colder polar continental air mass.

Although this trend is anticipated, uncertainties remain regarding the exact severity and duration of the cold spell.

In summary, tropical cyclone Zelia is poised to impact Western Australia with significant rain and wind, while Canada is suffering from an extreme cold wave. Meanwhile, northern Europe is preparing for a drop in temperatures due to a polar air mass. The developing weather patterns indicate varying degrees of severity across these regions.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com