Wet season preparation urged ahead of early rains

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and Bureau of Meteorology are urging communities in northern Western Australia to prepare for the start of wet season, including tropical cyclones, floods and storms.

The Bureau’s long-range forecast predicts above average rainfall in November over the Kimberley, followed by a return to more typical wet season rainfall from December onwards.

Thunderstorms are expected to be more active across central parts of WA, bringing greater risks of flash flooding, damaging winds and road impacts.

Last season in WA there were five tropical cyclones impacting the Kimberley, Pilbara and Midwest Gascoyne coastline, including Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle in March which brought significant damage to communities including Exmouth and Carnarvon.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina, which impacted the northeastern Kimberley in November 2025, was the earliest landfalling tropical cyclone in the Australian region since 1973.

Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Gianni Colangelo said cyclones and associated flooding are always a risk during the wet season and communities should continue to refer to the forecasts and warnings as conditions evolve.

"Typically the western tropical cyclone region, including Western Australia, averages about six tropical cyclones per season, with Australia’s most cyclone-prone area being the north west coast between Broome and Exmouth,” he said.

"Keep up to date with seven day forecasts and warnings on the BOM website and app. You can also visit the Bureau's long-range forecasts for rainfall and temperature patterns for the season ahead."

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Acting Deputy Commissioner Operations Paul Carr ESM urged communities and organisations to use the current clear conditions to prepare properties and make an emergency plan.

“Cyclones can be extremely destructive so now is the time to make sure buildings have been maintained to cyclone standards, make any repairs and be ready to secure loose items such as outdoor furniture or fencing that could cause damage in strong winds,” he said.

“Prepare an emergency kit with essential items should you need to evacuate or become isolated for a period of time including a battery operated radio, food and drinking water, first aid kit and any prescribed medication.

“It is also critical every household has an emergency plan and understanding of the cyclone warning system.”

A/Deputy Commissioner Paul Carr ESM said the Emergency WA app and website was a critical resource for community members, including the ability to create an emergency plan, with the app also allowing users to set up multiple watch zones to be notified of warnings and when to put plans into action.

“Businesses also need a plan so everyone in the workplace knows their triggers to act and when staff can get home safely to prepare,” he said.

Stay up-to-date with warnings on the Emergency WA app or website, calling 13 DFES, following DFES on social media and listening to local radio broadcasts.

Find the Bureau's forecasts and warnings at www.bom.gov.au or on the BOM Weather app.