BOM 02U First Map

BOM Update in your language.

The forecast track shows where the centre of the system is most likely to move. The grey shaded area is the “possible path zone,” meaning the centre could track anywhere within that area. Winds and coastal impacts can occur outside the grey zone, so it’s always worth checking the coastal waters and high seas warnings if you’re on the water.

Tropical Low 97S/02U is gradually strengthening over warm waters north of the NT. It’s expected to reach tropical cyclone strength on Thursday while still north of the Territory.

Where it is now

As of 9:30 am ACST, it has sustained winds near 55 km/h, with gusts up to about 85 km/h.

Located about 255 km north-northwest of Darwin and 135 km north of Pirlangimpi,

Moving slowly east-northeast at around 9 km/h.

What’s expected next

The system continues drifting northeast for now, away from the NT.

From Thursday it’s expected to strengthen into a cyclone and then turn back south and southwest, which would take it towards the NT coast later in the week.

No impacts are expected for NT communities in the next 48 hours.

Advice

NT Emergency Services recommend keeping an eye on official updates and following any directions if conditions change.

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Brief Image Analysis

The map shows 02U near the Tiwi Islands, with the forecast track arcing northeast before curving back towards the NT coast.

The white/grey cone represents the possible movement range — the centre can shift anywhere inside this space.

The coloured circles show expected wind strength as it develops from a tropical low into a Category 1, then Category 2 system.

Timing labels (e.g., 10 pm Nov 20, 10 am Nov 21) show the expected position at those times, but these locations become less certain the further out you go, which is why the cone widens.

No watch or warning zones are currently active, meaning no direct threat in the short term.

The next update is due at 4:30 pm ACST