Tropical Low 28U Monitored North of Western Australia; Moderate Chance of Cyclone Development

Alert Details

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map for Tropical Low 28U. As of 8:54 am AWST on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the system is being monitored for potential development into a tropical cyclone. The alert is identified by IDW60285.

Affected Areas

The alert covers several northern regions and islands, including Mitchell Plateau, Cockatoo Island, Cape Leveque, Beagle Bay, Kuri Bay, Kalumburu, Troughton Island, Truscott, and the Kimberley. While the system currently has no active warning or watch zones for land-based communities, it remains under close observation due to its proximity to the coast.

What You Should Do

Residents in the Kimberley and surrounding islands should monitor official weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology. This product is primarily designed for land-based communities; however, mariners are advised to consult coastal waters and high seas warnings as gale-force winds are present in the region.

Expected Conditions

Tropical Low 28U is currently recording sustained winds near the center of 85 kilometres per hour, with wind gusts reaching up to 120 kilometres per hour. Gale-force winds are likely to continue on the northern side of the system. The system has a moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone later today as it moves through the region.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 8:54 am AWST on March 5, 2026, and is effective until 8:54 am AWST. The system is currently moving east at 31 kilometres per hour. Conditions are forecast to become unfavourable on Friday, March 6, as the system moves southwards and interacts with Tropical Low 30U, leading to expected weakening. It is not currently expected to impact the Western Australia mainland as a tropical cyclone.