Tropical Storm Higos formed over the Timor Sea on June 26, 2026, at coordinates 25°S, 133.6°E, tracking toward Australia's northwest coast with sustained winds near 65 km/h and rapid intensification potential. The system poses significant flood and wind hazard to remote communities across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with peak impacts expected within 72 hours as it approaches the continental shelf.
Residents and emergency services in Broome, Port Hedland, and surrounding indigenous communities face mounting risk from storm surge, extreme rainfall (100–200 mm predicted), and damaging gusts exceeding 90 km/h. Power outages, road closures, and communication disruption are likely; evacuation orders may be issued for exposed coastal settlements and low-lying inland areas.
THE SCIENCE
Tropical cyclogenesis in the Southern Indian Ocean is driven by warm sea-surface temperatures (currently 28–29°C across the Timor Sea), low wind shear, and sufficient atmospheric moisture convergence along the monsoon trough. Higos formed in an environment of weakly organized convection but is now consolidating rapidly as it interacts with the continental outflow boundary from central Australia.
The system's track is steered by the subtropical ridge positioned over southern Australia; westerly wind anomalies aloft are enhancing upper-level outflow. Higos will likely intensify as it crosses waters 27–28°C, potentially reaching severe tropical cyclone strength (130+ km/h) before landfall near the Pilbara coast.
Convergence along the monsoon trough supplies moisture and rotational shear necessary for cyclone spin-up.
DYNAMIC FORCING
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Regional Context
Northwest Australia's cyclone season (Nov–Apr) is entering autumn; Higos is an off-season anomaly driven by rare warmth.
CLIMATOLOGY
HOW PANDITA DATA TRACKS THIS
Pandita's real-time weather module ingests satellite imagery (HIMAWARI-8), sea-surface temperature analysis from NOAA, and atmospheric pressure data from the Bureau of Meteorology to model Higos's track and intensity. Radar reflectivity composites reveal rainband organization; wind-barb overlays show the steering-flow evolution as the subtropical ridge migrates.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
1
Secure Loose Objects and Seek Shelter Before Winds Peak
Tie down rubbish bins, remove outdoor furniture, and move vehicles away from trees. Move to the strongest part of your home—interior rooms on the lowest floor—well before wind gusts exceed 80 km/h; do not attempt to travel once conditions deteriorate.
2
Prepare for Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding
Ensure roof gutters and downspouts are clear. Identify high-ground evacuation routes; do not attempt to cross flooded roads or creeks. Stock fresh water (20 L per person) and non-perishable food for at least 3 days.
3
Monitor Official Updates and Evacuation Orders
Listen to ABC Radio and BOM warnings every 6 hours. Register with local emergency management if you live in a flood-prone or coastal area. Have a charged battery-powered radio, torches, and first-aid kit ready.
Track Higos's intensity, rainfall forecast, and wind-gust probabilities in real time using Pandita Data's tropical cyclone module—updated every 3 hours with satellite and model consensus data.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is causing this severe weather?
Tropical Storm Higos formed in the warm Timor Sea (27–29°C) where monsoon-trough convergence and weak wind shear triggered rapid cyclogenesis; the subtropical ridge is steering it toward Northwest Australia's coast.
What are the greatest hazards from this storm?
Damaging winds (90+ km/h), extreme rainfall (100–200 mm), storm surge, and flash flooding in low-lying coastal and inland areas; power and communication disruption likely across remote communities.
What precautions should people take immediately?
Secure outdoor items, move to interior shelter, fill water containers, stock food for 3 days, monitor BOM/ABC Radio hourly, and obey evacuation orders without delay if issued by local authorities.