Cyclones are scary. There’s no denying that. But did you know that even after they’ve weakened, they can still mess with the weather, sometimes hundreds of kilometers away? Case in point: Cyclone Fina. As it makes its way past Darwin, the “leftovers” of this mighty storm are about to make their mark on the rest of Australia. But how?
The Calm After the Cyclone
Cyclone Fina has been making headlines as it churns its way north of Darwin, bringing plenty of rain and wind with it. Now, once a cyclone makes landfall, it typically starts to lose steam. Gone is the warm ocean water that gives it energy, and with that, the beast begins to weaken. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t just disappear. The energy and moisture that the cyclone releases can hang around for a while, affecting the weather patterns even after the storm is long gone.
It’s like when you finish a big meal on Boxing Day, and instead of throwing away the leftovers, you make something new out of them. That’s exactly what happens with cyclones. Even after they’ve dissipated, their leftover moisture and energy can fuel other weather systems across the country, turning a regular rainstorm into a much bigger deal.
What Happens to the Leftovers?
When Cyclone Fina loses its power over the ocean, it doesn’t just fade away. Instead, it leaves behind a big ball of moisture and energy that can feed into any low-pressure systems, troughs, or cold fronts crossing southern Australia. In fact, this is the type of moisture that can make a typical weather system much wetter than it would have been otherwise.
Over the past few years, we’ve already seen how moisture from the Indian and Pacific Oceans has played a big role in boosting the rainfall across Australia. With a weak La Niña in place and warmer-than-average waters around the country, cyclones like Fina are becoming an even bigger source of moisture for the weather systems that follow.
The Bottom Line: More Rain to Come
Now, it’s not all doom and gloom. While Cyclone Fina might be bringing some messy leftovers, it’s also a huge source of moisture. This means that areas in the path of its remnants could experience more rain than usual. The real impact depends on how these systems interact and where the leftover moisture goes. But if you’re in the southern or eastern parts of Australia, be ready for the possibility of some extra showers, explains 7News.
What Does This Mean for You?
So, what should you take away from all of this? Well, for starters, while Cyclone Fina might not be as terrifying by the time it reaches you, its “leftovers” could still bring some serious rain. Stay aware of any weather warnings, especially if you’re in regions that typically experience troughs or low-pressure systems. And if you’re in the tourism industry, this is a reminder that Australian weather is always full of surprises, even after a storm has passed.
In the end, cyclones like Fina are a great reminder of how much nature can throw at us. Even after the storm’s gone, the leftovers might still stir things up—just like that leftover Christmas turkey sandwich that surprises you days later. Keep an eye on the forecast, because Australia’s weather never stays quiet for long.
