Tropical Low 28U Developing Southeast of Christmas Island; No Immediate Land Threat Expected
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a forecast for Tropical Low 28U, which is expected to reach cyclone strength over open waters without impacting the Western Australia mainland.
Alert Details
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre has issued a Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Tropical Low 28U. This alert was issued at 8:57 am AWST on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as the system begins to develop in the Indian Ocean.
Affected Areas
Currently, there are no warning or watch zones in effect for land-based communities. The system is located approximately 185 kilometers southeast of Christmas Island (11.6 degrees South, 106.9 degrees East). Forecasters state the system is not expected to impact Indian Ocean territories or the Western Australia mainland.
What You Should Do
Residents are advised to monitor official updates, though no direct land impact is anticipated. This specific product is designed for land-based communities; mariners should consult coastal waters and high seas warnings for maritime-specific hazards.
Expected Conditions
As of 8:00 am AWST, Tropical Low 28U has sustained winds near the center of 45 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 85 kilometers per hour. The system is moving southeast at 7 kilometers per hour. It is forecast to intensify into a Category 1 tropical cyclone as it moves east over open waters.
Timeline
The system is expected to reach tropical cyclone strength during Wednesday, March 4, and Thursday, March 5. A weakening trend is forecast to begin late Thursday and continue into Friday, March 6, as the system moves into an unfavorable environment. The next forecast track map is scheduled for issue by 3:00 pm AWST Tuesday.
Source: BOM Official Notice