Unprecedented Activity: Six Tropical Storms Recorded in Southern Hemisphere
On February 25, 2025, six tropical storms were active in the Southern Hemisphere, including five simultaneously in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. This is the highest recorded activity since January 1999. Key storms included Cyclones Honde and Garance, and Hurricanes Bianca and Alfred, with the latter posing significant risks to northeastern Queensland.
On February 25, 2025, the Southern Hemisphere witnessed an unusual weather phenomenon with six tropical storms active across its oceans, including the South Pacific and the Southern Indian Ocean. This marked a rare occurrence of five storms spinning simultaneously in these regions, the first of its kind since January 1999, when three storms were simultaneously present in the South Pacific.
The identified storms included Tropical Cyclone Honde off Mozambique, Cyclone Garance near Madagascar, Hurricane Bianca to the west of Australia, Hurricane Alfred northeast of Australia, and Cyclones Seru and Rae north of New Zealand. Such a high activity level in tropical cyclones is attributed to warm sea-surface temperatures and weak wind shear, conditions that are often exacerbated by the La Niña phenomenon.
Cyclone Garance is anticipated to move southward, potentially impacting Reunion Island. Its projected path resembles that of Cyclone Firinga in 1989, the last significant hurricane to affect the island directly. In the past, Reunion Island has seen many tropical storms track near it, but direct hits are less common.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Alfred, which developed in the Coral Sea on February 24, is expected to intensify as it tracks south. This storm poses a risk of heavy rainfall and strong winds in northeastern Queensland over the weekend, raising concerns about potential flooding in the region.
The Southern Hemisphere is currently experiencing an unusual number of tropical storms, with six active systems noted on February 25, 2025. The formation and interaction of these storms highlight the influence of oceanic and atmospheric conditions, such as warm sea temperatures and low wind shear, partly driven by La Niña. The situation underscores the significance of monitoring tropical cyclones as they develop, especially as they approach land.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
