Weatherwatch: Tropical Cyclone Zelia and Global Cold Snap Alerts

The Bureau of Meteorology alerts for Tropical Cyclone Zelia impacting Western Australia, while Canada experiences severe winter conditions with temperatures plummeting below seasonal averages. Europe expects a cold snap as well, forecasted for the coming week with significant temperature drops across northern regions.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an alert for a tropical cyclone affecting the north coast of Western Australia. This warning pertains to a tropical low designated as 18U, located near the Kimberley region. From Sunday night, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges are predicted to impact northern Australia, prompting a flood warning. Continuing through the upcoming week, 18U is expected to strengthen to tropical cyclone status, and be named Zelia, potentially making landfall in the Pilbara region with rainfall totals between 150mm to 250mm (5.9in to 9.8in) and wind gusts up to 100mph.

In Canada, a severe cold spell has emerged due to the influx of polar air, resulting in temperatures plummeting by 5C to 10C (41F to 50F) below the seasonal average. Cities including Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon are particularly affected, likely experiencing maximum daytime temperatures between -10C and -15C, and overnight lows often reaching between -20C and -30C. The town of Saskatoon shares a latitude with Cambridge in the UK, which has recorded a low of -13C.

Europe is also bracing for a cold snap, with temperatures expected to decrease gradually across northern regions this week. A significantly sharper decline is anticipated in the following week, with temperatures poised to drop between 2C and 5C below average for most areas outside of southern Europe, and dropping even further in parts of Scandinavia. The onset of this cold is attributed to a large high-pressure system developing over eastern Europe, leading to an easterly flow that ushers in colder polar continental air. However, there remains some uncertainty surrounding the severity and extent of this cold spell.

In summary, a tropical cyclone warning has been issued for Western Australia, indicating the potential for severe weather conditions. Concurrently, Canada is facing extreme cold temperatures, particularly affecting western cities, while Europe anticipates a significant temperature drop in the near future under high-pressure conditions. These weather patterns underscore the diverse and impactful effects of climate variability across different regions.

Original Source: www.inkl.com