Cyclone Tracker Australia
The Storm Tracks layer shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks.
RainViewer shows storm tracks on one map for northern Australia and its coasts.
The Storm Tracks layer shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks.
Current cyclones near Australia
Australia has a long tropical coast in the north and north-east, on the Indian Ocean, the Timor Sea, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and the Coral Sea. This list names each active tropical storm or cyclone near Australia, with its category and status. Each storm links to its own tracker page.
No active tropical storm or cyclone is listed near Australia.
Last updated:
How RainViewer shows storms
The Bureau of Meteorology publishes the official weather warnings and storm information for Australia. The Storm Tracks layer on the RainViewer map shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks. RainViewer does not replace official warnings.
See the full storm path
Tap any point on the path to see wind speed, category and direction at that point.
Read the category in one place
Open any storm to see its category and intensity.
Get a notification when a storm approaches
RainViewer sends a Tropical Storm Alert when a storm approaches your area.
See Australia storms in RainViewer
When is cyclone season in Australia?
Cyclone season in Australia runs from 1 November to 30 April, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
A cyclone starts as a cluster of thunderstorms over warm ocean water. Warm, moist air rises from the sea surface. The air pressure near the surface drops, and more air flows in. The rotation of the Earth makes this air spin, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Weak winds high in the atmosphere let the system organise. A system with a closed circulation is called a tropical depression. It becomes a tropical storm when its winds strengthen, and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology gives it a name. It becomes a cyclone when its winds reach cyclone strength.
Sea temperatures around Australia are highest in the southern summer. This is the time of the most storm activity. Cyclones often form over the warm water of the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea, and the Coral Sea. Cyclones usually reach the northern coast from the Timor Sea, the Gulf of Carpentaria, or the Coral Sea. Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia have the most cyclone activity.
Storms by state in Australia
Australia has its own cyclone tracker pages for Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, and more. Choose a state to see current and past storms there.
Cyclone Strength, From Depression To Super Cyclone
Depression (31–49 km/h)
A low-pressure area with organised rain. No name yet.
Deep Depression (50–61 km/h)
Heavy rain over a wide area, rough seas.
Cyclonic Storm (62–88 km/h)
The storm gets a name. Fallen branches, flooding in low-lying areas.
Severe Cyclonic Storm (89–117 km/h)
Damage to thatched roofs and power lines, coastal flooding.
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (118–166 km/h)
Roof damage to buildings, uprooted trees, storm surge on exposed coasts.
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (167–221 km/h)
Serious structural damage, communication and power lines down over a wide area.
Super Cyclonic Storm (222 km/h or higher)
Widespread destruction and major storm surge along the coast.
FAQ
Where can I see current cyclones near Australia?
The cyclone tracker map on this RainViewer page shows current storm tracks near Australia, and the list under the map names each active storm near Australia. When no storm is active, the list says so and links to storms in other regions. Past storms near Australia are listed further down the page.
When is cyclone season in Australia, and which months are busiest?
Cyclone season in Australia runs from 1 November to 30 April, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, which issues cyclone warnings for the Australian region. The list at the top of this page shows which storms are active now. Cyclones usually reach the northern coast from the Timor Sea, the Gulf of Carpentaria, or the Coral Sea.
Which official source issues cyclone warnings for Australia?
The Bureau of Meteorology publishes the official weather warnings for Australia, and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) publishes forecasts and advisories for every active storm in the Australian region. RainViewer shows storm tracks on a map and does not replace official warnings. The BoM is the source for official basin forecasts.
What does the forecast cone show on the Australia map?
The forecast cone on the RainViewer map shows the probable track of the centre of a storm during the forecast period. The cone does not show how far wind, rain, or storm surge reach from the centre, so areas outside the cone can still have storm effects. The cone is part of the Storm Tracks layer, together with the current position, the past path, and the forecast path.
Where can I see rain radar for Australia?
RainViewer shows rain radar for Australia, and the Australia weather radar page lists radar coverage and links to city radar pages. RainViewer updates radar every 5 minutes. Radar shows rain inside a storm. The Storm Tracks layer shows where the storm is moving.
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